What is 4 20 in police code?

What is 4-20 in Police Code?

Introduction

The world of law enforcement is filled with codes, signals, and lingo that are unique to the profession. One of the most infamous and widely recognized codes is the 4-20 code. But what does it mean? Is it a call for help, a warning, or something else entirely? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of police codes and uncover the truth behind the mysterious 4-20.

What is 4-20 in Police Code?

In police code, 4-20 refers to a specific sequence of numbers that, when spoken or radioed, carries a specific meaning. The 4-20 code is used to signal the presence of marijuana. Yes, you read that correctly – marijuana.

A Brief History of Police Codes

Police codes, also known as 10-codes, have been in use since the early 20th century. The first known use of police codes was in the 1910s, when Chicago police officers began using a series of numbers and letters to quickly and efficiently communicate with each other over radio systems. The codes were developed to simplify communication, reduce confusion, and enhance the efficiency of police responses.

10-Codes vs. Radio Codes

It’s worth noting that police codes are often confused with radio codes. 10-codes refer specifically to the standardized set of codes developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in the 1930s. These codes were designed to be universal and could be used by any law enforcement agency. Radio codes, on the other hand, are specific to each agency and may not be compatible with other agencies’ codes.

The Evolution of 4-20

The 4-20 code, specifically, has its roots in the 1940s and 1950s. At that time, marijuana was still illegal under federal law, and law enforcement agencies used the code to discreetly report the presence of the drug without arousing suspicion**. The code was chosen because it was innocuous-sounding and wouldn’t raise any alarms. Over time, the code became a standard part of police lingo and has remained in use to this day.

How 4-20 is Used in Practice

So, how is the 4-20 code used in practice? When an officer detects the presence of marijuana, they will radio the code to dispatch, stating "4-20" or "420" (spoken quickly). Dispatch will then alert other responding officers to the situation, allowing them to prepare for a potential encounter with drug-related activity.

Controversy and Misconceptions

Despite its widespread use, the 4-20 code has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some argue that the code is outdated and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about drug use. Others believe that the code is simply a harmless relic of a bygone era.

Here are some common misconceptions about the 4-20 code:

• The code is only used for marijuana: While the code is specifically linked to marijuana, it can also be used to signal the presence of other illegal substances.
• The code is only used by police: While law enforcement agencies are the primary users of the code, some civilians have adopted the code as a meme or cultural reference.
• The code is no longer used: While some agencies may have discontinued the use of the code, it remains in widespread use across the United States and other countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 4-20 code is a unique and enduring part of police lingo that has its roots in the early days of law enforcement. Despite controversy and misconceptions, the code remains a useful tool for law enforcement agencies to quickly and efficiently communicate with each other about the presence of illegal substances.

Table: Police Code Breakdown

Final Thoughts

The next time you hear a police officer radio "4-20," you’ll know exactly what they’re referring to. Whether you agree with the code or not, it’s an integral part of the language and culture of law enforcement. And who knows – maybe one day, the code will be retired and replaced with something more modern and PC-friendly. But until then, 4-20 remains a part of the police code lexicon.