Ever overheard the mysterious term “code 20A” in a police drama or on a police scanner and wondered what it means? Law enforcement uses a range of radio codes to communicate quickly and efficiently, but many of these codes are unfamiliar to civilians. Today, we’ll break down the meaning of police code 20A, explore how and why police codes are used, and provide clarity on how you can interpret similar codes you may encounter.
A Quick Introduction to Police Radio Codes
Law enforcement professionals rely on codes and signals to streamline communication and maintain discretion. One police code can express what might otherwise take a full sentence or two, helping officers work swiftly and safely. However, each department can have its own code variations, making it important to understand the broader system before focusing in on a specific code like 20A.
What Are Police Radio Codes?
“Police radio codes” are shorthand signals used over the radio. They help law enforcement officers:
- Communicate sensitive information confidentially
- Save time during emergencies
- Prevent unnecessary alarm from the public
- Standardize reporting across shifts and units
You might have heard famous examples such as “10-4” (meaning “message received”) or “187” (California Penal Code for homicide), but not every code is as well-known.
Unpacking Police Code 20A
The Basics of Code 20A
Police code 20A is not as universally standardized as some famous codes. Its meaning can vary by jurisdiction, but commonly, “20A” refers to a request for an officer to get a visual on a subject or vehicle and “report back” with details about their appearance, behavior, or location. You may also hear “code 20” without the “A,” which typically means a “location” query (“What’s your 20?”).
Typical Usage:
- Officer: “Dispatch, 20A on the blue sedan heading east on Main.”
- Dispatch: “10-4, please advise when you have a visual.”
Here, “20A” asks the officer to update on a subject’s status or to confirm and report back with current information.
Variants:
Because police codes are often unique to regions or even individual agencies, 20A can sometimes mean something else:
- Requesting a welfare check on a specific party
- Designating a non-emergency report
- Confirming a subject’s status (with the suffix “A” meaning “additional” or “advisory”)
Always check with the local police department or radio code reference for exact meaning.
Code 20 vs. Code 20A
The “A” suffix often denotes a variant or additional action.
- Code 20: Usually refers to “location” (as in “What’s your 20?”)
- Code 20A: Generally means “provide more details about the location, subject, or situation”
Why Do Police Use Numeric Codes?
Law enforcement’s attraction to radio codes goes far beyond secrecy. Here’s why they remain essential:
Speed and Clarity
When every second counts, using a code (“20A”) is much quicker than relaying a long description. Codes reduce the risk of misunderstanding or mishearing on noisy radio channels.
Confidentiality
Codes keep sensitive details away from the public ear. Instead of broadcasting “We’re staking out a burglary suspect at 123 Main Street,” an officer says “10-20A on the suspect at location.” This protects privacy and preserves the integrity of investigations.
Coordination
By standardizing responses, agencies streamline operations, making it easier to transfer details between multiple units, shifts, or departments.
How to Interpret Police Codes as a Civilian
Listen for Patterns
If you’re listening to police scanner chatter, codes like “10-20A” will often be grouped in specific ways:
- Before a Location: “Requesting 20A at park entrance.”
- Alongside Vehicle Descriptions: “20A on that red SUV—we need details.”
Context Matters
The physical context and follow-up conversation reveal a lot. An officer confirming “20A complete” means they’ve sighted the subject and are reporting back. If you’re reading about police activity in your local news, “code 20A” may be cited in relation to surveillance, searches, or non-emergency support.
Regional Codes
Not all codes are national! Some states publish their own lists. The best way to clarify is to check your local police department’s website for public-facing documents, or reputable scanner hobbyist communities.
The Legacy and Future of Police Codes
“Radio codes” have a long cultural and operational history. While some cities (like Los Angeles) standardized codes citywide, others allowed departments flexibility, resulting in region-specific variations like 20A.
Recently, some departments are moving away from codes in favor of “plain language” communication, to improve mutual aid between departments (especially during disasters) and for clearer media communication. Yet, many officers and dispatchers still rely on codes for speed and safety.
Takeaways and Next Steps
Police code 20A usually means an officer is being asked to report back with more information on a location, subject, or situation. Its exact meaning may vary by agency, but the common thread is the focus on updating status and details. The next time you hear “code 20A” on the scanner, you’ll know it means details are forthcoming!
If you’re curious about your local radio codes, contact your city’s police department for a current list, or explore resources created by scanner hobbyists. And if you use scanner apps, be sure they’re using up-to-date definitions for your area.