10-33 Police Code: Decoding the Secret Language
What is the 10-33 Police Code?
In the law enforcement community, the 10-33 police code is a standardized system of communication used to convey complex information quickly and efficiently. This code consists of a series of numbers and phrases that correspond to specific situations, actions, or requests. But what does it all mean?
Origins of the 10-33 Police Code
The 10-33 police code was first developed in the 1940s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCQ) in an effort to standardize police communication across different jurisdictions. The code was designed to reduce confusion, improve response times, and enhance officer safety.
Breaking Down the 10-33 Police Code
The 10-33 police code is divided into three main categories: Dispatch Signals, Status Signals, and Operations Signals.
Dispatch Signals (10-01 to 10-11)
- 10-01 = Call your quarters (check in with dispatch)
- 10-02 = Out of service (on a break or unavailable)
- 10-03 = Stop suspect (vehicle or person)
- 10-04 = Has arrived on the scene
- 10-05 = Relay to/from (message to/from another unit)
- 10-06 = Busy (unavailable to respond)
- 10-07 = Out of service at home (off-duty)
- 10-08 = In service at home (on-duty, but at home)
- 10-09 = Repeat message (clarify or confirm instructions)
- 10-10 = Fight (disturbance, altercation, or assault)
- 10-11 = Animal (loose animal or animal complaint)
Status Signals (10-12 to 10-22)
- 10-12 = Stand by (wait for further instructions)
- 10-13 = Weather and road conditions
- 10-14 = Escort (request for escort or assistance)
- 10-15 = Prisoner (in custody or transport)
- 10-16 = Pick up (pick up person or item)
- 10-17 = Meet complainant (meet with victim or complainant)
- 10-18 = Complete assignment (completed task or assignment)
- 10-19 = Return to station (return to police station)
- 10-20 = Location (reporting location or request for location)
- 10-21 = Phone call (request for call or phone information)
- 10-22 = Disregard (cancel or disregard previous message)
Operations Signals (10-23 to 10-33)
- 10-23 = Stand by on this frequency (monitor this channel)
- 10-24 = Assignment completed (task or mission accomplished)
- 10-25 = Can you contact (request for contact information)
- 10-26 = Detaining suspect (suspect in custody)
- 10-27 = Driver's license information (request for driver's license info)
- 10-28 = Vehicle registration information (request for vehicle info)
- 10-29 = Check for wants (check for outstanding warrants)
- 10-30 = Unnecessary use of radio (unauthorized transmission)
- 10-31 = Crime in progress (crime currently occurring)
- 10-32 = Person with a gun (armed suspect)
- 10-33 = Emergency, all units respond (highest priority call)
Conclusion
The 10-33 police code is a powerful tool used by law enforcement to efficiently communicate critical information. By understanding the meanings behind these codes, we can gain insight into the secret language of law enforcement and appreciate the complexity of their work. Whether you're an officer, a dispatcher, or simply a curious citizen, the 10-33 police code is an essential part of the law enforcement landscape.
