As you delve into the gripping world of law enforcement on television, you might hear an officer urgently report a "10-34" over the radio. This police code can signal drastically different scenarios depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, in New York City, a "10-34" could indeed mean a riot, as per the NYPD's official radio code guide. However, if you're trying to decipher the police code for a dead body, you'd be listening for a different set of numbers. In many areas, the code "10-54" or "10-55" might be used to report a deceased person, although these codes can vary by region and department. It's crucial to understand that these codes are designed for concise and clear communication among officers, as highlighted by the National Institute of Justice. By familiarizing yourself with these codes, you gain a deeper insight into the procedural language that shapes the narrative of your favorite crime dramas.
These codes were originally created by The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). They are a shorthand of sorts intended to facilitate communication over police radios. While they are typically thought of as being associated with police, other emergency personnel also use similar systems.
Police codes usually involve combinations of numbers, with numbers starting with a 10 or 11 referring to situations and other numbers being used for specific crimes. There are also some codes that use letters, much like acronyms.
Just about everyone has heard of "10-4," meaning "OK," or "message received." Here are a few more police codes:
- 10-15 — prisoner in custody
- 10-85 — will be late
- 11-10 — take a report
- 187 - homicide
- 311- indecent exposure or loud and obscene
- 459 - burglary
- 502 — drunk driving
- APB — All points bulletin
- DB — dead body
- UL — unable to locate
Again, exact definitions of police codes can vary, but now you can be a bit more informed the next time you hear the jargon. Some people like to use scanners to listen to police radio broadcasts. It can simply be an entertaining hobby, or in some cases it makes people feel more secure because they know exactly where crimes are being committed in their area. Make sure you're aware of all local laws and regulations concerning police scanners before you decide to listen in for fun.