What Does 10-4 Mean in Police Code?
Police codes, also known as 10-codes, are a standardized system of communication used by law enforcement agencies to quickly and efficiently convey messages over radio and other communication devices. These codes have been in use since the 1920s and have become an essential part of police communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 10-4, one of the most widely used police codes.
What is 10-4?
10-4 is a police code that stands for "Affirmative" or "Message Received". When a police officer responds with 10-4, it means they have received and understood the message or instruction being transmitted. This code is used to acknowledge receipt of a message, similar to saying "Roger that" or "Affirmative" in everyday language.
History of Police Codes
Police codes have a long history dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, police departments in the United States began using a system of numerical codes to communicate over radio. These codes were developed to simplify communication and reduce the risk of misinterpretation. The first police code book was published in 1925, and since then, the system has evolved to include thousands of codes and phrases.
10-Codes in Use Today
Today, police codes are still widely used by law enforcement agencies around the world. In the United States, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has developed a standardized system of 10-codes that is used by most police departments. These codes are used for a variety of purposes, including:
• Communication: Police codes are used to quickly convey information and instructions over radio and other communication devices.
• Standardization: The use of standardized codes ensures that messages are understood clearly and consistently across different agencies and jurisdictions.
• Efficiency: Police codes allow officers to communicate quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Other Police Codes
In addition to 10-4, there are many other police codes used in law enforcement. Some of the most common include:
Code | Meaning |
---|---|
10-1 | Weak signal |
10-2 | Receive poorly |
10-3 | Stop transmitting |
10-5 | Relay message |
10-6 | Busy |
10-7 | Out of service |
10-8 | In service |
10-9 | Repeat message |
10-10 | Location unknown |
10-11 | Suspicious person |
10-12 | Suspicious vehicle |
10-13 | Hold up |
10-14 | Off-duty |
10-15 | Emergency |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 10-4 is a police code that means "Affirmative" or "Message Received". It is used to acknowledge receipt of a message or instruction, and is an essential part of police communication. Police codes have a long history and are still widely used today, providing a standardized system of communication for law enforcement agencies around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 10-4 mean in police code?
- 10-4 means "Affirmative" or "Message Received".
- Why are police codes used?
- Police codes are used to simplify communication, reduce the risk of misinterpretation, and increase efficiency.
- Are police codes used only in the United States?
- No, police codes are used by law enforcement agencies around the world.
References
- International Association of Chiefs of Police. (n.d.). 10-Codes. Retrieved from https://www.theiacp.org/publications/10-codes
- National Institute of Justice. (n.d.). Police Communication Systems. Retrieved from https://www.nij.gov/topics/communications/Pages/police-communication-systems.aspx