Ever wondered what those numbers mean that you hear over a police scanner, tv show or even in person? Well every combination has a different meaning. These codes were created to streamline communication over radio, even with a poor signal. It is much easier to understand a couple of numbers with static than several words.

Chances are you have heard, or even used the code 10-4, which simple means received or acknowledged. Well there are hundreds of other codes out there. Curious what they mean?

While these aren’t officially standardized by any agency and can vary from state to state or even county to county, there is a lot of overlap.

911codes.com has compiled a database of the most commonly used codes.



Blog Posts

  • Police Codes: Origins and Usage

    Police Codes: Origins and Usage

    Police codes are numerical or alphanumeric codes used by law enforcement agencies to communicate quickly and efficiently over radio systems. These codes, which include systems like the Ten-Codes, Signal Codes, and the APCO codes, have become an integral part of police operations, helping officers convey critical information succinctly. Origins The use of codes in law…