This is a basic template for understanding 10 codes and signals used by California law enforcement agencies. It’s important to note that these codes can differ from county to county, and not all counties share this specific information publicly.
Understanding 10-codes
10-codes, also known as ten signals, are numerical codes commonly used in law enforcement and emergency services communication. They were originally developed to standardize messages in radio communication, particularly during the 1930s when police radio channels were limited.
The codes are meant to represent common phrases and responses, thereby improving the clarity and speed of communication. For instance, “10-4” is widely recognized as an affirmation, meaning “acknowledged” or “understood.” Other examples include “10-20” to request or provide a location, or “10-71” often signifying a request for an ambulance.
However, it’s crucial to note that these codes can vary significantly between different regions and departments. Some agencies may not use them at all, or may have completely different meanings assigned to the same codes. For this reason, the use of plain language has been encouraged in many areas to avoid any potential confusion.
Despite their varying usage, 10-codes continue to be a key part of communication in many emergency response contexts.
10 Codes
10-1 Receiving Poorly
10-2 Receiving Well
10-3 Stop Transmitting
10-4 O.K.
10-5 Relay to ________
10-6 Busy
10-7 Out of Service
10-8 In Service
10-9 Repeat
10-10 Out of Service, Subject to call
10-12 Visitor or With a Person
10-13 Weather and Road Conditions
10-14 Escort
10-14B Baker Act Transport
10-15 Prisoner in custody
10-16 Pick up Prisoner at ______
10-17 Conduct Investigation
10-19 Return to Station
10-19A Fuel Vehicle
10-19B Court
10-20 Location
10-21 Phone Station
10-22 Disregard
10-23 Stand By
10-24 Trouble, Send Help, Officer Down
10-25 In Contact With
10-26 Message Received
10-27 Drivers License Check
10-28 Check Registration
10-29 FCIC/NCIC Check
10-29P Person Check
10-30 Against Rules
10-31 In Pursuit
10-32 Breathalyzer Available/Operator
10-33 Emergency Message
10-36 Correct Time
10-37 Operator on Duty/Employee
10-39 Message Delivered
10-40 Case Number and Time
10-42 Home/Residence
10-45 Phone at ______
10-46 Urgent
10-48 End of message, Did you copy?
10-49 Wanted Person/Warrant
10-49A Civil Papers Served
10-50 Traffic Stop
10-50F Attempted Traffic Stop with Flee
10-51 Enroute
10-52 E.T.A.
10-53 Coming to your Office
10-54 Negative
10-56 Meet at _______
10-60 Check Tower Lights
10-62 Change to Channel __
10-65 Can you copy?
10-66 Cancel
10-68 Legal Advice
10-71 Send Ambulance
10-75 Off Duty, In Dept Vehicle
10-81 Send Wrecker
10-88 What phone number can you be reached at?
10-96 Unable to Locate
10-97 Arrived
10-98 Completed Call
10-99 Unable to Read
Codes
Code 1 Routine Response
Code 2 Expedite
Code 3 Respond Lights and Siren
Code 4 Cancel Responding Units
Signals
S0 Armed or Caution
S1 DUI; Alcohol or Drugs
S2 Intoxicated Person
S3 Hit and Run
S3F Hit and Run with Injuries
S4 Vehicle Accident
S4F Vehicle Accident with Injuries
S5 Murder
S6 Escaped Prisoner
S7 Dead Person
S8 Missing Person
S8R Recovered Missing Person
S9 Stolen License Plate
S9A Lost License Plate
S10 Stolen Vehicle
S10IP Stolen Vehicle in Progress
S10R Stolen Vehicle Recovery
S11 Abandoned Vehicle
S11P Private Tow
S12 Reckless Driver
S13 Suspicious Vehicle
S13A Suspicious Incident
S13P Suspicious Person
S13X Suspicious Package
S14 Information
S14I Clermont Intelligence Report
S15 Special Detail
S15M Special Detail: Marine
S15R Special Detail: Rainbow
S16 Road Obstruction
S17 Attempt to Locate
S17A Welfare Check
S20 Mentally Ill Person
S20H Homicidal
S21 Burglary
S21A Burglary of Business
S21A IP Burglary of Business in Progress
S21B Burglary of Residence
S21B IP Burglary of Residence in Progress
S22 Verbal Disturbance
S22 IP Verbal Disturbance in Progress
S22 S0 Disturbance with a Weapon
S23 Pedestrian/Hitchhiker
S24 Robbery
S24A Purse Snatch
S24 S0 Armed Robbery
S25 Fire
S25A Structure Fire
S25B Brush Fire
S25C Car Fire
S25F Multiple Dwelling Fire
S25H Commercial Fire
S25X Explosives Problem
S26 Drowning
S27 Trespasser
S28 Riot
S28A Civil Disturbance
S29 Reckless Boat
S30 Bomb Threat
S31 Narcotics
S32 Fraud
S32A Worthless Check
S33 Assault and Battery
S33IP Assault and Battery in Progress
S33 S0 Assault and Battery with a Weapon
S34 Rape
S34A Sex Offense
S34B Verify Sex Predator
S34BAV Sex Offender/Predator Address Verification
S35 Car Burglary
S36 Shooting
S36A Person Shot
S36B Shooting in the Area
S36C Weapons Complaint
S87A Found Person
S88 Noise Complaint
S88F Noise Complaint; Fireworks
S88G Large Gathering
S90 Animal Complaint
S90A Animal Bite
S92 Sick Person
S92A Injured Person
S22 S0 Disturbance with a Weapon
S23 Pedestrian/Hitchhiker
S24 Robbery
S24A Purse Snatch
S97 Boat Accident
S97A Other Boat Emergency
S98 Dangerous Street Condition
S99 Property Check
S99T Traffic Enforcement
S99M Ag/Marine Patrol
S100 Radio Test
S37 Suicide
S37A Suicide Attempt
S37T Suicidal Thoughts
S38 Gambling
S39 Juvenile Complaint
S39A Austistic Juvenile
S39T Juvenile Tobacco Problem
S40 Vandalism
S40A Vandalism of City/County Property
S41 Obscene Phone Call
S41A Threatening Phone Call
S41S Threat at School
S42 Civil Complaint
S42A Solicitor Complaint
S43 Theft/Larceny
S43C Shoplifter
S43C IP Shoplifter in Progress
S44 Abduction
S44A Hostage
S44B Attempted Abduction
S49 Partner
S49A Pick up Partner at ______
S53 Control Burn
S81 Burglar Alarm
S82 Fire Alarm
S83 Miscellaneous
S83A Abandoned 911
S83M Miscellaneous; Ag/Marine
S83R Repo
S86 Lost Property
S86A Found Property
S87 Lost Person
Natures
ACO Animal Complaint (S90)
AOA Other Agency Assistance
COP Citizen on Patrol
COPPS Clermont COPPS Activity
DAV Disabled Vehicle
DCF Dept of Children and Families
Please be aware that the provided list of 10 codes and signals is a generic template. Therefore, when listening to any specific county’s law enforcement scanner, please keep in mind that these codes may not align entirely with the county’s specific set. Always use caution and respect privacy when listening to police scanners.