What is a 10-79 Police Code?
The 10-79 police code is a standardized system used by law enforcement agencies to communicate with each other quickly and efficiently. This system was developed in the early 20th century to ensure that police officers could rapidly and accurately convey important information to their colleagues, supervisors, and other emergency responders. In this article, we will delve into the world of police codes and explore the meaning and significance of the 10-79 code.
A Brief History of Police Codes
The use of police codes dates back to the early 20th century, when radio communication was first introduced to law enforcement agencies. In the 1920s and 1930s, police departments in the United States and Canada began using a system of codes to convey important information over the radio. These codes were designed to be brief, concise, and easy to understand, even in the midst of a chaotic emergency situation.
The first police code was developed by the Detroit Police Department in 1923, and it consisted of a series of numbers and letters that corresponded to specific messages. Over time, other police departments began to adopt similar systems, and the use of police codes became widespread.
How Police Codes Work
Police codes are used to convey a wide range of information, including:
• Emergency situations: Police codes are often used to report emergency situations, such as a crime in progress, a serious accident, or a natural disaster.
• Location information: Codes can be used to provide location information, such as the address of a crime scene or the location of a suspect.
• Suspect descriptions: Police codes can be used to provide detailed descriptions of suspects, including their physical appearance, clothing, and any distinguishing features.
• Vehicle information: Codes can be used to report information about vehicles, such as license plate numbers, makes, and models.
The Meaning of 10-79
So, what does the 10-79 code mean? In this case, 10-79 is a "Unit Available" code. This code is used to indicate that a police unit (such as a patrol car or an officer on foot) is available to respond to an emergency call or to assist another officer.
Here are some examples of when a 10-79 code might be used:
• Responding to a call: A dispatcher may use the 10-79 code to notify an officer that they are being dispatched to a specific location to respond to a call.
• Assisting another officer: A police unit may use the 10-79 code to indicate that they are available to assist another officer who is dealing with a particularly difficult or dangerous situation.
Other Important Police Codes
In addition to the 10-79 code, there are many other important police codes that are used to convey important information. Here are a few examples:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-1 | Change to channel |
| 10-2 | Affirmative |
| 10-3 | Stop transmitting |
| 10-4 | Message received |
| 10-5 | Relay message |
| 10-7 | Out of service |
| 10-20 | Location of caller |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 10-79 police code is an important part of the standardized system used by law enforcement agencies to communicate with each other quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s used to report an emergency situation or to indicate that a police unit is available to respond, the 10-79 code plays a vital role in ensuring public safety.
As we have seen, police codes have a long and rich history, and they continue to play an important role in modern law enforcement. By understanding the meaning and significance of the 10-79 code, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and often challenging work that police officers do every day.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about police codes, there are many online resources available. Here are a few suggestions:
• The International Association of Chiefs of Police: The IACP website provides a comprehensive guide to police codes and communication systems.
• The National Institute of Justice: The NIJ website offers a range of resources on law enforcement communication systems and protocols.
• Police Codes Online: This website provides a comprehensive list of police codes used by law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada.
Remember, understanding police codes can help us better appreciate the important work that police officers do every day to keep our communities safe.
