What’s a Code 4 Police?
As a member of the law enforcement community, police officers use a variety of codes to communicate with each other and respond to emergency situations. One of the most well-known codes is "Code 4," but what does it mean, and when is it used?
What is Code 4?
Code 4 is a radio code used by police officers to indicate that the situation is under control and that no further assistance is needed. It is often used when an officer has arrived on the scene and has successfully resolved the situation, such as when a suspect has been apprehended or a situation has been de-escalated.
History of Code 4
The origins of Code 4 are unclear, but it is believed to have been used in the United States in the early 20th century. At that time, police officers used a variety of codes to communicate with each other over the radio, and Code 4 was one of the most common. Over time, the code has been adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country and around the world.
When is Code 4 Used?
Code 4 is typically used in situations where an officer has arrived on the scene and has taken control of the situation. This might include:
• Apprehending a suspect: If an officer has arrived on the scene and has apprehended a suspect, they may use Code 4 to indicate that the situation is under control and that no further assistance is needed.
• De-escalating a situation: If an officer has arrived on the scene and has successfully de-escalated a situation, they may use Code 4 to indicate that the situation is under control and that no further assistance is needed.
• Clearing a scene: If an officer has arrived on the scene and has cleared the area of any hazards or suspects, they may use Code 4 to indicate that the scene is secure and that no further assistance is needed.
Other Police Codes
In addition to Code 4, police officers use a variety of other codes to communicate with each other. Some of the most common codes include:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-1 | Radio trouble or bad reception |
| 10-2 | Receive loud and clear |
| 10-3 | Stop transmitting |
| 10-4 | Message received and understood |
| 10-5 | Relay message |
| 10-6 | Busy or out of service |
| 10-7 | Out of service |
| 10-8 | In service |
| 10-9 | Repeat message |
| 10-10 | Information or data |
| 10-11 | Patrol |
| 10-12 | Officer in need of assistance |
| 10-13 | Emergency |
Conclusion
Code 4 is a widely recognized radio code used by police officers to indicate that a situation is under control and that no further assistance is needed. It is an important part of police communication and is used in a variety of situations, from apprehending suspects to de-escalating situations. While there are many other police codes used by law enforcement agencies, Code 4 is one of the most well-known and widely used.
