What is a 10-13 Police Code?
Contents
Introduction
The 10-13 police code is a widely recognized and standard terminology used by law enforcement agencies around the world. It is a series of codes and phrases that enable police officers to communicate efficiently and effectively over the radio, in a clear and concise manner. In this article, we will explore what the 10-13 police code means and how it is used.
History of the 10-13 Code
The 10-13 code was first introduced in the 1940s, when radio communication was the primary means of communication for law enforcement agencies. Prior to this, police officers used a system of beepers and messengers to communicate with each other. The 10-13 code was developed to simplify communication and reduce the amount of time it took to convey important information.
Significance of the Code
The 10-13 code is significant for several reasons:
- Efficient Communication: The code allows police officers to communicate quickly and accurately over the radio, without having to use complex phrases or sentences.
- Standardization: The code is standardized across law enforcement agencies, making it easier for officers to understand and communicate with each other, regardless of their location.
- Reduced Error: The code reduces the risk of miscommunication, which can be critical in emergency situations.
What Does 10-13 Mean?
So, what does the 10-13 code actually mean? Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the code represents:
- 10: This is the "signal" or "indicator" that a police officer is using the code to communicate.
- 13: This is the actual message or phrase being transmitted.
Here are some examples of what 10-13 codes might look like:
- 10-13: "All available units, respond to [location] for a burglary in progress."
- 10-13: "Officer down, require assistance at [location]."
- 10-13: "Subject is fleeing on foot, last seen heading north on [street]."
Other Examples of 10-13 Codes
Here are some more examples of 10-13 codes, along with their meanings:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-1 | Warning tone (used to indicate caution or attention) |
| 10-2 | Over |
| 10-3 | Stop transmitting |
| 10-4 | Message received |
| 10-5 | Urgency |
| 10-6 | Busy, busy, busy (used to indicate that an officer is unable to respond immediately) |
| 10-7 | Out of service (used to indicate that an officer is leaving or is no longer available) |
| 10-8 | In service (used to indicate that an officer is available and responding) |
| 10-9 | Repeat the last transmission |
| 10-10 | Urgent, require immediate response |
| 10-11 | Suspicious activity reported |
| 10-12 | Traffic delay |
Conclusion
The 10-13 code is an essential tool used by law enforcement agencies to communicate efficiently and effectively over the radio. The code has been in use for many years and has been standardized across agencies, making it an important part of the way police officers communicate.
