What is a 10-100 Police Code?
Contents
Introduction
The police radio codes, also known as ten-codes or police ten-codes, are a standardized system of codes used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to quickly communicate vital information over the radio. One of the most well-known and widely used codes is the 10-100 police code, which means "Suspicious Person, Description Unknown". In this article, we will explore the meaning of 10-100 and how it is used by law enforcement agencies.
History of Police Radio Codes
Police radio codes were first introduced in the United States in the 1930s as a way to reduce the amount of time officers spent communicating on the radio. Prior to this, officers would have to communicate in plain language, which could be overheard by the public and could pose a security risk. By using codes, officers could quickly and discreetly communicate with each other, even in noisy environments or where there was high foot traffic.
Types of Police Radio Codes
There are several types of police radio codes, including:
• 10-Codes: These are standardized codes that are used by law enforcement agencies to communicate information. Examples include:
- 10-1: "Radio static or broken transmission"
- 10-20: "Location"
- 10-44: "Subject stopped and everything under control"
- 10-100: "Suspicious Person, Description Unknown"
• Police Phonetic Alphabet: This is a system used to pronounce letters and numbers over the radio. Examples include: - Bravo (B)
- Charlie (C)
- Echo (E)
• Special Codes: These are codes used by law enforcement agencies to convey specific information, such as: - 19: "Officer down"
- 52: "Prisoner escaping"
Meaning of 10-100: Suspicious Person, Description Unknown
What Does 10-100 Mean?
10-100 is one of the most commonly used police codes, and it is often used to alert other officers to a potential crime in progress. When an officer uses the code "10-100", they are indicating that they have identified a suspicious person, but they do not have a clear description of the individual.
Example of a 10-100 Dispatch
Here is an example of how a dispatcher might use the 10-100 code in a real-life scenario:
Dispatch: "Unit 12-34, this is dispatch. We have a report of a suspicious person at the corner of Main and Elm. Unit, please respond with lights and siren. Description is unknown at this time."
Officer 12-34: "Roger that, dispatch. En route with lights and siren."
Why is 10-100 Important?
10-100 is important because it allows law enforcement agencies to quickly and effectively respond to suspicious activity. When an officer uses the 10-100 code, it alerts other officers in the area to the potential threat and enables them to take necessary action. This code can be especially important in high-crime areas or in situations where there is a risk of violence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 10-100 is a standard police code that is used to indicate a suspicious person, but without a clear description. It is an important code because it enables law enforcement agencies to quickly respond to potential crimes in progress. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a dispatcher, or a member of the public, understanding police radio codes is essential for effective communication.
