Ten-code: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:57, 6 November 2005

Revision as of 21:00, 6 November 2005

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'''Ten-codes''', properly known as ''ten signals'', are [[code word]]s used to represent common phrases in voice communication, particularly in radio transmissions. The codes, developed in [[1937]] and expanded in [[1974]] by the [[Association of Public Safety Communication Officials]] (APCO), allow for brevity and standardization of message traffic. They are widely used by [[law enforcement]] officers in [[North America]]. Ten-codes were also adapted for use by [[CB radio]] enthusiasts before its pop culture explosion in the late [[1970s]], thus many of the phrases, such as 10-4 and "what's your twenty" have entered everyday use in the English language.

Some municipalities also use signal codes (e.g. "Code ten"), which typically gives further information the nature of a crime or emergency. These vary drastically from agency to agency.

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The following list illustrates the current usage of various 10-codes. Only a handful of them are standardized. Some are fairly consistent, while others (such as 10-40) can have completely different meanings, many of which are not listed here. Multiple meanings for the same code are set apart by semicolons.

The first bold definition is the current meaningAPCO according to the [[Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials]]specification, a standard that has been adapted by most law enforcement agencies. Popular alternate meanings follow in bold, while less common meanings are in regular typeface. Meanings specific to CB radio are set in italics. ''This is not a complete list, but is intended to show some of the most common codes and help provide an estimate of what a code's definition is;. a A search for local ten-code tables should be performed first before using this chart.''

* 10-0 '''use caution'''

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* 10-24 '''assignment completed'''; trouble at station; unit not available; direct traffic

* 10-25 '''report to ___'''; '''please contact ___'''; do you have contact with person; come in for traffic; officer needs help

* 10-26 '''detaining suspect''', (implying "please expedite"); check auto registration; ETA; ''disregard last info''; phone residence

* 10-27 '''drivers license request'''; vehicle registration request; ''I am moving to channel ___''; any answer

* 10-28 '''vehicle registration request'''; driver's license request; ''identify your station''; missing person