What is a 1015 in Police Code?
The world of law enforcement is filled with jargon and codes that can be confusing to the average person. One such code that may have piqued your curiosity is the "1015" code. So, what does it mean? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of police codes and uncover the meaning behind the mysterious "1015".
What is Police Code?
Before we dive into the specifics of the "1015" code, it’s essential to understand what police code is. Police code, also known as ten-code, is a system of communication used by law enforcement agencies to convey messages quickly and efficiently. This system was developed in the 1940s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to standardize communication among police departments.
Types of Police Codes
Police codes can be broadly classified into two categories:
• Alpha Codes: These codes use letters to represent words or phrases. For example, "A" might stand for "assignment" or "B" for "business".
• Number Codes: These codes use numbers to represent specific messages or actions. For example, "1015" is a number code.
What does 1015 Mean?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of police code, let’s focus on the "1015" code. According to the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), 1015 stands for "All Units Be On the Lookout (BOLO)". This code is used to alert all units in the area to be on the lookout for a specific individual, vehicle, or suspect.
Other Meanings of 1015
While the official meaning of 1015 is "All Units Be On the Lookout", some police departments may use it to mean other things. For example:
- In some departments, 1015 might mean "All Units Report" or "All Units Available".
- In other departments, 1015 might be used to represent a specific call type, such as a "911 call" or a "disturbance call".
Why is 1015 Important?
The "1015" code is crucial for law enforcement agencies because it allows them to quickly and efficiently disseminate information to all units in the area. This code is used in a variety of situations, including:
- Wanted Suspects: When a suspect is at large, police departments will use the 1015 code to alert all units to be on the lookout for the individual.
- Missing Persons: If a person is reported missing, the 1015 code may be used to alert all units to keep an eye out for the individual.
- Critical Incidents: In situations where time is of the essence, such as during a hostage situation or active shooter incident, the 1015 code may be used to quickly alert all units to the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the "1015" code is a critical component of police communication, allowing law enforcement agencies to quickly and efficiently disseminate information to all units in the area. While the official meaning of 1015 is "All Units Be On the Lookout", it’s essential to note that different departments may use this code to mean different things. By understanding police code, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and critical work of law enforcement agencies.
Table: Common Police Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-1 | Over |
| 10-2 | Received |
| 10-3 | Stop Transmitting |
| 10-4 | Affirmative |
| 10-5 | Relay Message |
| 10-6 | Busy |
| 10-7 | Out of Service |
| 10-8 | In Service |
| 10-9 | Repeat |
| 10-10 | Out of Touch |
| 10-11 | Identify Yourself |
| 10-12 | Station Number |
| 10-13 | Wait |
| 10-14 | Go Ahead |
| 10-15 | Be On the Lookout (BOLO) |
Bullets List: Common Police Codes and Their Meanings
• 10-1: Over
• 10-2: Received
• 10-3: Stop Transmitting
• 10-4: Affirmative
• 10-5: Relay Message
• 10-6: Busy
• 10-7: Out of Service
• 10-8: In Service
• 10-9: Repeat
• 10-10: Out of Touch
• 10-11: Identify Yourself
• 10-12: Station Number
• 10-13: Wait
• 10-14: Go Ahead
