What is 10-23 Police Code?
The 10-23 police code is a standardized system used by law enforcement agencies to quickly communicate information over radio and telephone systems. This system is also known as the Police 10-Codes, and it was developed in the 1920s to simplify communication between officers and dispatchers. The 10-23 code is a specific code used to request a specific assistance or information from other law enforcement units.
The Origins of the 10-Codes
The 10-Codes were first developed by the Chicago Police Department in the 1920s. The system was designed to reduce misunderstandings and errors that often occurred when officers and dispatchers communicated over radio and telephone systems. The 10-Codes were later adopted by other law enforcement agencies across the United States and have since become a standard part of police communication.
What Does the 10-23 Code Mean?
The 10-23 code specifically means "Suspicious Person." When an officer sends out a 10-23 code, they are requesting assistance from other units to investigate a suspicious person or activity. This code is often used when an officer encounters a person or group of people who appear to be engaging in suspicious behavior, such as loitering, trespassing, or engaging in drug activity.
Other Police Codes
In addition to the 10-23 code, there are numerous other police codes used for various purposes. Some common police codes include:
• 10-1: Call for Information
• 10-4: Message Received
• 10-7: Out of Service
• 10-13: Give Position
• 10-20: Location Desired
• 10-33: Emergency or Urgent
• 10-49: Suspect in Custody
Benefits of the 10-Codes
The 10-Codes have several benefits for law enforcement agencies, including:
• Improved Communication: The 10-Codes reduce misunderstandings and errors by providing a standardized system of communication.
• Efficient Response: The 10-Codes allow officers to quickly and accurately communicate their needs and requests to dispatchers and other officers.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: The 10-Codes provide officers with a way to quickly report suspicious activity and request assistance, improving situational awareness and reducing the risk of officer safety.
Conclusion
The 10-23 police code is a critical component of law enforcement communication and is used to request assistance from other units to investigate suspicious activity. By understanding the meaning and purpose of the 10-23 code, officers and the public can better appreciate the importance of standardized communication systems in law enforcement.
Table: Common Police Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-1 | Call for Information |
| 10-4 | Message Received |
| 10-7 | Out of Service |
| 10-13 | Give Position |
| 10-20 | Location Desired |
| 10-23 | Suspicious Person |
| 10-33 | Emergency or Urgent |
| 10-49 | Suspect in Custody |
Summary
In summary, the 10-23 police code is a standardized system used by law enforcement agencies to quickly communicate information over radio and telephone systems. The code specifically means "Suspicious Person" and is used to request assistance from other units to investigate suspicious activity. The 10-Codes have numerous benefits, including improved communication, efficient response, and enhanced situational awareness.
