Have you ever listened to a police scanner and felt like you’re eavesdropping on a secret language? Well, you kind of are! Police officers don’t just say “I’m going to lunch” or “There’s a naked guy running down Main Street” in plain English. Instead, they use something called “10 codes” – a shorthand communication system that’s both efficient and slightly mysterious to the uninitiated.
These codes were originally developed to keep radio communications brief and standardized. Think of them as the original text abbreviations, way before “LOL” and “BRB” were even a twinkle in a teenager’s eye. Let’s decode this cryptic police lingo and discover what officers are really saying when they throw around numbers on their radios.
10-1: Poor Reception
When an officer uses 10-1, they’re basically saying, “I can’t hear you worth a darn.” It’s the police equivalent of cupping your ear and shouting “WHAT?” into your phone. The difference is that they sound much more professional doing it.
This code is often followed by a location change, because apparently driving in circles until you find signal isn’t just a civilian problem—it’s a universal human experience. Next time your Zoom call freezes, just announce “10-1” and watch your colleagues nod knowingly.
10-4: Message Received
Ah, the famous 10-4! Even if you’ve never been within ten feet of a police scanner, you’ve probably heard this one. It simply means “message understood” or “okay.” It’s the grandfather of the thumbs-up emoji.
This code has transcended police radio and entered popular culture, appearing everywhere from trucker movies to everyday conversations. It’s basically the police code equivalent of a celebrity – famous, widely recognized, and used by people who have no business using it.
10-7: Out of Service
When officers use 10-7, they’re indicating they’re temporarily unavailable or off-duty. It’s the professional way of saying, “Don’t bother me, I’m on my break.” Sometimes it’s followed by 10-7C, which means out of service for coffee, because even crime-fighters need their caffeine fix.
The next time you want to avoid a conversation at work, just mutter “10-7” and walk away. It probably won’t work, but you’ll look mysteriously official while trying.
10-8: In Service
The opposite of 10-7, this code means the officer is back on duty and ready for assignments. It’s essentially saying, “I’m back, baby!” but in a much more dignified manner.
Officers use this code when returning from breaks, completing assignments, or whenever they’re available to respond to calls. It’s like setting your chat status to “Available” but with more responsibility and significantly fewer emojis.
10-9: Repeat Message
When an officer uses 10-9, they’re asking the dispatcher or another officer to repeat their last message. Maybe there was static, maybe a siren drowned out the words, or maybe they were just daydreaming about donuts. (I kid, I kid!)
This is the police equivalent of saying, “Huh? Could you say that again?” but sounds much more official. Next time someone mumbles something to you, try responding with “10-9” instead of “What?” and see if they perceive you as more authoritative.
10-20: Location
“What’s your 10-20?” is police-speak for “Where the heck are you?” This is one of the most commonly used codes and has also made its way into civilian vernacular.
When officers need to know each other’s locations for backup, meeting up, or just keeping tabs on patrol coverage, they’ll ask for a 10-20. It’s like the “Share Location” feature in your phone, but spoken and without the creepy feeling that Big Tech is watching your every move.
10-27: License Check
When an officer calls in a 10-27, they’re requesting a check on a driver’s license. This is the moment when everyone who’s ever been pulled over suddenly remembers all their unpaid parking tickets and silently prays.
The dispatcher will run the license through their system to verify if it’s valid and if there are any outstanding warrants. It’s essentially the police version of checking someone’s social media before a first date – just looking for any red flags.
10-32: Person with Gun
This is where things get serious. A 10-32 code means “there’s a person with a gun” and is one of those codes that instantly raises the alert level. It’s not the kind of code you want to hear if you’re an officer, and definitely not one to joke about.
When this code goes out, backup is usually dispatched immediately, and officers approach the situation with extreme caution. It’s like hearing “we need to talk” from your significant other, but with actual life-or-death implications.
10-55: Intoxicated Driver
When an officer calls in a 10-55, they’ve spotted someone who seems to think driving in a straight line is optional. This code indicates a suspected drunk driver, and it’s a priority call because intoxicated drivers are a serious danger to themselves and others.
It’s amazing how quickly an officer can spot the telltale signs: the weaving, the bizarre speed changes, the stopping at green lights. It’s like having a sixth sense, except instead of seeing dead people, they see people who definitely shouldn’t be driving.
10-99: Wanted/Stolen
Last but certainly not least, 10-99 is used to indicate that a person or vehicle is wanted or stolen. When this code pops up, things get intense pretty quickly. It’s the police radio equivalent of a plot twist in a crime show.
This code typically triggers a specific protocol for officers, potentially leading to a high-risk stop. It’s not quite “release the hounds,” but it’s in the same dramatic neighborhood.
Beyond the Codes
While these 10 codes have been standard for decades, it’s worth noting that many departments are moving toward plain language communications. During large-scale emergencies involving multiple agencies, different interpretations of codes can cause dangerous confusion.
Still, 10 codes remain an iconic part of police culture and continue to be used by many departments across the country. They’re efficient, they create a sense of professional identity, and let’s be honest—they sound way cooler than just saying things plainly.
So the next time you hear an officer say “10-4,” you’ll know they’re not talking about the highway or doing math. They’re participating in a long tradition of coded communication that helps keep our communities safe—with just a touch of mystique.