Police radio codes, often referred to as “ten-codes” or “signal codes,” are shorthand communication tools used by law enforcement officers to convey vital information quickly and efficiently over radios. These codes enhance communication clarity and enable officers to relay sensitive details without alarming the general public. One code that often leaves people curious is “Code 87” or “police code 87.”
But what does police code 87 mean? This blog post explores the meaning, context, and variations of police code 87, as well as how codes like these fit into the broader law enforcement communication system.
Understanding Police Radio Codes
Police radio codes were introduced in the mid-20th century to improve the efficiency of communication between officers and dispatchers. By using codes instead of detailed verbal descriptions, officers are able to save time, maintain operational security, and avoid confusion on busy radio channels.
These codes often vary between jurisdictions, meaning one code may carry different meanings depending on the city, county, or state you are in. While some codes, like the well-known “10-4” (meaning acknowledgment), have universal recognition, others are highly localized.
Why Are Police Codes Used?
- Efficiency: Codes condense long phrases into a few short words or digits.
- Clarity: They reduce misunderstanding, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Security: Codes allow officers to discuss sensitive matters without disclosing too much to civilians who may overhear.
Types of Police Codes
Police codes fall into several categories:
- 10-Codes (e.g., 10-4): These are widely recognized numeric codes used across multiple states.
- Signal Codes (e.g., Signal 87): These vary more dramatically depending on the agency or jurisdiction.
- Plain English Codes (e.g., Amber Alert): These use straightforward language and are growing in popularity for interdepartmental communication.
Now that you have an understanding of how police codes work, let’s drill down into what police code 87 specifically refers to.
What Does Police Code 87 Mean?
The meaning of police code 87 can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which it is used. Here are a few common interpretations:
- Suspicious Vehicle
Many law enforcement agencies use code 87 to denote a “suspicious vehicle.” This might describe a car parked in an unusual location, one that matches the description of a getaway vehicle, or one displaying bizarre behavior that warrants further investigation.
For example:
– An officer may radio in, “Code 87 in the north parking lot,” signaling the need to check out a potentially suspicious car.
- Other Uses of Code 87
Code 87 doesn’t always mean “suspicious vehicle.” Agencies sometimes apply their codes differently:
– Administrative Message: Certain departments use code 87 for non-urgent communications, such as administrative updates.
– Operation in Progress: Some might use it to signify that a specific operation or investigation is ongoing.
– Unit Status: In rare cases, it could even refer to the status of a patrol unit.
It is important to note that police codes can differ significantly even within neighboring regions, which is why listening closely to a radio transmission’s context is essential for interpretation.
Examples and Context of Code 87 in Action
Scenario 1: Suspicious Vehicle Check
- A passerby reports a vehicle parked on a residential street with its engine running for an extended time. The dispatcher calls it in as “Code 87” to alert officers. When a unit arrives at the scene, they discover stolen goods in the trunk, leading to further investigation.
Scenario 2: Administrative Use
- A dispatcher could notify all officers of an operational meeting by using a localized version of code 87 that stands for an “administrative request.”
Scenario 3: Large Event Monitoring
- During events such as protests or street festivals, law enforcement may use Code 87 to coordinate information regarding suspect vehicles approaching restricted zones.
Regional Variations of Police Code 87
While some national and state frameworks suggest standardized codes, many police departments customize their codes for local needs. For example:
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) might use code 87 exclusively for suspicious vehicles.
- Small Midwest towns might redefine 87 to mean something as specific as an officer-locker code.
Efforts to adopt unified “plain English” protocols in states like California and Illinois aim to reduce these disparities, but localized interpretations of codes like 87 remain common. Hence, anyone tuning into a scanner might misinterpret this code without knowing the region’s unique definitions.
Why Police Code 87 Is Important
Knowing and understanding police codes like 87 is valuable, not just for those in law enforcement but also for:
- Civilian Listeners: Enthusiasts who follow police activity via scanners or apps can better understand law enforcement activity with this knowledge.
- Criminal Justice Students: Aspiring officers or dispatchers should familiarize themselves with common codes to prepare for their future roles.
- Reporters and Media: Journalists covering crime beats benefit from clear interpretations of these codes to better inform the public.
How Police Codes Are Evolving
The use of police codes has been evolving over the years. Though traditional number-coded communication remains popular, there’s been a growing movement toward replacing numeric codes with plain English for interdepartmental communication. Agencies like FEMA now endorse the use of plain English during major emergencies to avoid miscommunication.
Even with potential changes, codes like 87 remain a staple in day-to-day operations for many local agencies.
Final Thoughts on Police Code 87
While “police code 87” may seem like a small piece of the bigger law enforcement puzzle, its meaning can play a crucial role in keeping public safety operations smooth and efficient. Whether it refers to something as specific as a suspicious vehicle or an administrative action, context is key when interpreting police codes.
If you’re a civilian interested in understanding police codes better or a future police officer studying their local codebook, it’s always worth remembering that region and context are vital factors.
To further explore more police codes and their applications, save this page or bookmark your local jurisdiction’s radio glossary. Understanding these codes sheds light on the important work that law enforcement officers perform daily.