Ever flipped through a police report in New Jersey and felt like you were reading some kind of secret language? You’re not alone. Police reports are filled with codes, abbreviations, and jargon that can make understanding what actually happened a real challenge for the average person.
Whether you’ve been involved in an incident, need the report for insurance purposes, or are just curious about what went down in your neighborhood, knowing how to decipher these codes can be super helpful. Let’s break down how to read police report codes in New Jersey so you can make sense of all that official-looking paperwork.
Why Police Reports Use Codes
Before diving into specific codes, it helps to understand why police departments use them in the first place. Codes serve multiple purposes:
- They save time during high-pressure situations
- They provide a standardized way to communicate information
- They ensure consistency across different officers and jurisdictions
- They can sometimes protect privacy or sensitive information
In New Jersey, like most states, police departments use a combination of national standardized codes and local codes specific to their jurisdiction.
Common NJ Police Report Sections
Police reports in New Jersey typically contain several standard sections, each with their own codes and abbreviations. Let’s explore the most common ones.
Incident Codes
These codes tell you what type of incident occurred. New Jersey police departments often use a numerical system based on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. Here are some common incident codes you might see:
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“10-XX codes” – These are radio codes officers use to communicate. For example, “10-54” indicates a possible dead body, while “10-31” means a crime in progress.
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“20XX series” – These typically reference violent crimes. “2010” might indicate homicide, while “2025” could be assault.
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“24XX series” – Usually related to property crimes like burglary (“2410”) or theft (“2420”).
Remember that specific code numbers may vary between police departments, especially in smaller NJ municipalities that might use their own systems.
Vehicle Codes
If your police report involves a vehicle, you’ll see specific codes related to that:
- DL – Driver’s License
- REG – Registration
- VIN – Vehicle Identification Number
- MV – Motor Vehicle
- DOT – Department of Transportation
Vehicle-related violations often start with “39:” as they reference Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes which governs motor vehicles. For example, “39:4-97” refers to careless driving.
Officer Action Codes
These codes indicate what actions the responding officer(s) took:
- “GOA” – Gone On Arrival (the reported issue was no longer present when police arrived)
- “NFI” – No Further Information
- “NFA” – No Further Action
- “UTL” – Unable To Locate
- “FI” – Field Interview conducted
Status Codes
These codes tell you the current status of the case:
- “CAA” – Cleared by Arrest
- “CBA” – Cleared By Adult arrest
- “CBJ” – Cleared By Juvenile arrest
- “EXC” – Exceptionally Cleared (suspect identified but prosecution not possible)
- “UNF” – Unfounded (reported incident didn’t actually occur)
- “ACT” – Active investigation
- “SUS” – Suspended (inactive but not closed)
- “CLD” – Closed
Location and Directional Codes
New Jersey police reports often use abbreviated directional and location codes:
- “N, S, E, W” – North, South, East, West
- “NB, SB, EB, WB” – Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound, Westbound
- “PKWY” – Parkway
- “TPKE” – Turnpike
- “RT” – Route
Criminal Code References
NJ police reports often reference the New Jersey Criminal Code with statute numbers:
- “2C:XX-X” format refers to Title 2C of the NJ Criminal Code
- For example, “2C:12-1b” is aggravated assault, while “2C:35-10” relates to drug possession
Making Sense of Specialized Report Types
Accident Reports
New Jersey accident reports have their own special codes and sections. These reports follow a standard format called the NJTR-1 (New Jersey Traffic Crash Report). Key codes include:
- “PDO” – Property Damage Only
- “PI” – Personal Injury
- “F” – Fatal
- “DUI/DWI” – Driving Under Influence/Driving While Intoxicated
- “MC” – Motorcycle
- “PED” – Pedestrian involved
The accident diagram section uses its own symbols to show vehicle positions, traffic signals, and road conditions.
Domestic Violence Reports
These sensitive reports use specific codes to document domestic incidents:
- “DV” – Domestic Violence
- “TRO” – Temporary Restraining Order
- “FRO” – Final Restraining Order
- “RP” – Reporting Person
- “S” – Suspect
- “V” – Victim
How to Request and Review Your Police Report
If you need to get a copy of a police report in New Jersey:
- Contact the police department where the incident occurred
- Complete a request form (sometimes called an OPRA request, referencing the Open Public Records Act)
- Pay any required fees (typically $5-15 per report)
- Bring ID if picking up in person
When reviewing your report, don’t be afraid to ask questions if certain codes aren’t clear. Most police departments have civilian staff who can help explain unfamiliar terminology.
Tools to Help Decode Police Reports
If you’re really struggling with the codes on your NJ police report, consider:
- Checking the police department’s website (many post their code lists)
- Using the New Jersey Open Public Records Act to request the department’s code guide
- Consulting with an attorney who specializes in the relevant area of law
- Using online resources specific to New Jersey law enforcement
Final Thoughts
Understanding police report codes in New Jersey takes some practice, but it gets easier once you’re familiar with the common patterns. Remember that these reports are designed primarily for other law enforcement professionals, not the general public.
If you’re reviewing a report for insurance purposes, legal reasons, or personal knowledge, “focus on the narrative section” first, as this contains the officer’s written description of what happened in plain language. Then use the codes to fill in specific details.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from the police department if certain codes remain unclear – that’s your right as a New Jersey resident when dealing with public records.
With this guide, you should be better equipped to decode the mystery language of NJ police reports and understand what really happened during an incident.