Introduction
A police scanner is a radio receiver able to tune or scan frequencies. It monitors UHF and VHF hand-held mobile radio systems. It can receive messages one at a time, and send out multiple signals at the same time. A scanner device is further enhanced with the use of codes, like number or color codes. To reduce the negative effects of radio static, short codes are used. Police scanner color codes reduce sentences and phrases into two-word signals.
Common Police Scanner Codes
Code 2 Urgent – no light or siren
Code 3 Use lights and siren
Code 4 No further assistance needed
Code 5 Stakeout
Code 6 Stay out of area
Code 7 Meal break
Code 8 Restroom break
Code 9 Summer uniform
Code 10 SWAT pre-call up
Code 11 SWAT call up
Code 37 Subject/property wanted
Police Scanner Color Codes
Police scanner color codes have been a great help in police emergency operations for years. Also known as an efficient mode of radio communication among ten-eleven codes, police scanner color codes have saved countless lives and properties.
A robber on the run is escaping from law enforcers and jumps into a public bus. The passengers are in danger and more police back-up is needed. An officer reaches out for the radio in the police car unit and says, “We have a code blue.” Then the officer adds other details. This is how police scanner color codes are used in an actual police emergency.
What are Police Scanner Color Codes?
These are among 10-11 (ten-eleven) codes that identify radio frequency quickly. They also enable law enforcers and other relief or rescue operators to report situational updates and receive instructions. For requesting immediate help fast, like police back-up, police scanner color codes are also used. There are, to date, only three color ten-eleven codes.
What are the Three Scanner Color Codes?
- Code Blue – Bus or taxi in trouble
- Code Red – VARDA (Voice Activated Radio Dispatched Alarm) activated
- Code Purple – Gang activity
First, Code Blue. This indicates that a public vehicle, like a bus or cab, is in trouble. Like in the example above, police operatives need not say, “We have trouble here. An armed suspect boarded a bus and is endangering the passengers.” All the law enforcer has to say over the radio is, “We have a code blue.” Police scanner color codes make reporting and updating fast and easy.
Second, Code Red. It means the Varda alarm has been set off. VARDA is an acronym that means Voice Activated Radio Dispatch Alarm. It is placed or installed on an object, like a car engine or chassis. When someone moves the car unaware, an alarm is automatically set off at a nearby police station. A voice recording programmed to announce ten-eleven codes will be sent to all police car units and an officer will be dispatched to the site immediately. Police scanner color codes enables law enforcers to act fast within minutes.
Third, Code Purple. When a mob or gang in a neighborhood gets violent or threatening, and it is reported to the station, a code purple is sent to all units. Any available unit should respond at once to the scene. Or, if a lone law enforcer sees a gang activity, immediate back-up should be requested by merely saying the code and location details. Police scanner color codes and other ten-eleven codes make a potential danger easy to contain within minutes.
Police Scanner Penal Codes
When trouble strikes, fast and efficient police response is of utmost importance. Reporting the situation to police headquarters in a long-winded or rambling way will not do. Thus, practical police scanner penal codes were formulated for fast and efficient police radio communication.
For Criminal Acts
Police scanner penal codes are designed to be used during monitoring of or pursuing suspected criminal elements. When surveying acts worthy of punishment by the law, and especially when danger seems inevitable or impending, police radio communication uses police scanner penal codes. This makes radio conversations efficient and fast. Among criminal activities monitored with penal codes are homicide, kidnapping, robbery, assault, rape, and illegal possession of arms, among others.
Penal Codes Exclusive to Some Departments
Some police scanner penal codes are common to various police departments, while others are exclusive to a particular department or station. Some state law enforcers may use a different police radio communication signal from another. Similarly, some scanner codes used by police departments, fire departments, and rescue and relief teams, differ from each other. This is due to some special tasks specific to the nature of their work. Ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, and police car units, for instance, have different uses, though all are for emergency uses. Hence, they use different radio communication signals.
Among common codes used for penal monitoring purposes is code 217. When a pre-meditated murder is in progress and an officer needs back-up, code 217 or assault with murder attempt is the right code to use. The officer may simply say over the radio, “Code 217 at Madison Avenue. Requesting for 11-99!” This is a combination of police scanner panel codes and eleven codes, another set of emergency radio codes. A report on assault with intent to murder and request for back-up at a certain location is quickly done with a short one-line radio communication.
A 273D Police Report
Reports should be done in such a way that details are relayed accurately without divulging them to civilians who may be present in the operation or at the time of reporting. For instance, the family of a woman who is a victim of cruel wife-beating is around the police premise. If family members are not supposed to know how grave the incident is, officers may talk of the case in front of them without revealing any sensitive detail. This is possible by simply saying 273D (another common police scanner penal code) when referring to it.
Common Police Scanner Penal Codes
14 Ambulance in route
15 Citizens holding suspect
17f Fugitive attachment
17m Municipal court attachment
17t Traffic attachment
18 Traffic incident
19 Drunk
20 Auto accident
20a Airplane crash
20f Fatal accident
20i Injury accident
21 Complaint
23 Traffic congestion
24 Medical emergency
25 Call dispatcher
26 Police officer
27 Attempted crime
28 Inciting a felony
29 Death
30 Homicide
30c Homicide by cutting
30s Homicide by shooting
34 Aggravated battery
34c Cutting
34s Shooting
35 Simple battery
37 Aggravated assault
38 Simple assault
39 Negligent injury
42 Aggravated rape
43 Simple rape
44 Aggravated kidnapping
45 Simple kidnapping
51 Aggravated arson
51b Bomb threat
52 Simple arson
52e Explosives
52f Fire
54 Combustible materials
56 Criminal damage
58 Contaminated water
59 Criminal Mischief
60 Aggravated burglary
62 Alarms
62b Simple burglary
62c Auto burglary
62r Residential burglary
62s Safe burglary
63 Criminal Trespass
63s Sit-in
64 Armed robbery
64g Armed robbery/gun
64k Armed robbery/knife
65 Simple robbery
65p Purse snatching
66 Extortion threats
68 Unauthorized use of movable
69 Possession of stolen goods
71 Issuing worthless checks
72 Forgery
80 Carnal knowledge of juvenile
81 Indecent behavior with juvenile
82 Prostitution
84 Pandering
87 Abortion
89 Crime against nature
90 Gambling
90c Gambling by cards
90d Gambling by dice
91 Unlawful sale to minor
93 Cruelty to juvenile
94 Illegal use of weapon
95 Illegal carrying of gun
95k Illegal carrying of knife
98 D.W.I.
99 Reckless operation
100 Hit and run
148 Resisting Arrest
187 Homicide
207 Kidnapping
207A Kidnapping attempt
211 Robbery
211A Robbery alarm
211S Robbery alarm, silent
217 Assault with intent to murder
240 Assault
242 Battery
243 Assault on Police Officer
245 Assault with a deadly weapon
246 Shooting at inhabited dwelling
261 Rape
261A Attempted rape
273 Assault on Person
273A Child neglect
273D Felony wife beating
288 Lewd conduct
311 Indecent exposure
314 Indecent exposure
374B illegal dumping
390 Drunk
390C Drunk in Vehicle
390D Drunk, unconscious
404 Riot
407 Unlawful Assembly
415 Disturbance
415b Investigate the Trouble
415c Disturbance – Children involved
415d Disturbance – Drunk involved
415e Loud Music or Party
415f Disturbance – Family
415g Disturbance – Gang
417 Person with a gun
417A Person with a knife
447 Arson
459 Burglary
459A Burglar alarm
459S Burglar alarm, silent
464 Burglary with Explosives
470 Forgery
477a Arson
480 Hit and run, felony
481 Hit and run, misdemeanor
484 Petty theft
484f Fraudulent use of Credit Card(s)
484ps Purse Snatch
487 Grand theft
487.2 Theft from Person or Purse snatch
488 Petty theft
496 Receiving stolen property
502 Drunk driving
503 Auto theft
504 Tampering with a vehicle
505 Reckless driving
507 Public nuisance
510 Speeding or racing vehicles
537 Defrauding Innkeeper
586 Illegal parking
586e Vehicle blocking Driveway
594 Malicious mischief
595 Runaway car
602 Trespassing
602.5 Entry without consent
603 Unlawful entry
604 Throwing missiles
647 Lewd conduct
647a Vagrant loitering in Public Place
647b Prostitution
647c Begging
647d Loitering in Restroom
647e Loitering Place to Place
647f Drunk
647ff Drunk – enroute to Detox
647g Prowler
647h Illegal Lodging
653M Threatening phone calls
901 Ambulance Call
901a Ambulance Call – Attempted Suicide
901b Ambulance Call – Drowning
901c Ambulance Call – Cutting
901d Ambulance Call – Drunk
901g Ambulance Call – Gas
901h Ambulance Call – Dead Body
901k Ambulance has been dispatched
901n Ambulance requested
901s Ambulance Call – Shooting
901t Ambulance Call – Traffic Accident
901y Request Ambulance if needed
902 Accident
902h Enroute to Hospital
902m Medical Aid needed
902t Traffic Accident
903 Aircraft Crash
904 Fire
910 Can handle detail
952 Report on conditions
955 Detail under control
956 Detail incomplete, but available
957 Delayed response of __ minutes
966 DRUG DEAL
1000 Plane crash
3000 Road block
4532 Escape
5150 Mental case
10851 Auto theft
10852 Tampering with vehicle
11300 Narcotics
12020 Carrying Concealed Weapon
14601 Driving w/suspended DL
20001 Hit and run, felony
20002 Hit and run, misdemeanor
20007 Hit and run, unattended
21958 Drunk pedestrian on roadway
22350 Speeding
22500 Illegal parking
23101 Drunk driving – injuries
23102 Drunk driving
23103 Reckless driver
23104 Reckless driver
23105 Driver under narcotics
23109 Racing
23110 Person throwing objects at vehicles
23151 Drunk driving – injuries
23152 Drunk driver
23153 Reckless driving (use to be 510)
23109 Speed Contest
Police Scanner Eleven Codes
Police scanner eleven codes were primarily designed to address the needs of the California Highway Patrol. Traffic operatives and officers from this service felt the need to expedite radio communications. So they came up with these radio communication codes. The eleven codes were closely applied alongside the ten-codes to simplify radio conversations especially during emergencies. Here are some of their uses:
For Emergencies and Others on the Road
Police scanner eleven codes are mostly about highway and road emergency situations. They range from accidents, road crimes, car chases, traffic, transportation assistance, automobile repairs, parades, and escort or convoy protection. It would be difficult for operatives to drive while reporting road updates, especially when mounted on a motorcycle. This is where scanner radio communication codes come in handy.
For Short and Simple Reports
The nature of work the California Highway Patrol group (CHPG) has, keeps it out on the main roads and highways often. These are noisy places where short and simple radio communication codes are needed. Instead of saying, “There is a vehicle collision at the corner of interstate 24 and highway 7. We need an ambulance, quick! There may be casualties!” the operative can simply say, “11-79 at i-24 and highway 7. Possible 11-44.” With such short and simple police scanner eleven codes, the dispatcher gets the whole picture. Immediate and accurate help is then dispatched.
For Calming Down a Tense Situation
Police scanner eleven codes are also used to keep sensitive information from becoming public knowledge. For instance, a bomb is sniffed by a k-9 dog inside a public bus and there are passengers on board. A CHPG operative would know that, but not the passengers. To report the emergency update, the law enforcer would use radio communication codes. Even if the people hear the updates, they won’t panic.
For Protecting Classified Information
Radio communication codes are supposed to be exclusive to law enforcement operatives. But sometimes, the signals can be intercepted by lawless elements adept at electronic technology. When this happens, police scanner eleven codes are useful. They keep vital information confidential, though communicated in the hearing of unauthorized persons. Or, reporting of sensitive update details can be shifted to a landline transmission. This is done by simply saying, “11-58.” The receiver of the code will immediately understand that radio communication codes are being intercepted. Telephone communication will have to be resorted to.
For Quick Back-Up
A highway patrolling job can be quite hazardous. One can never know what danger may be waiting out there in the byways and highways. In case an immediate back-up support is needed, a mere “11-99” radio report is all that is needed. The station will immediately dispatch reinforcement to the location.
Common Police Scanner Eleven Codes
11-6 Illegal discharge of firearms
11-7 Prowler
11-8 Person down
11-10 Take report
11-12 Dead animal
11-13 Injured animal
11-14 Animal bite
11-15 Ball game in street
11-17 Wires down
11-24 Abandoned vehicle
11-25 Traffic hazard
11-25X Female motorist need assistance
11-26 Abandoned bicycle
11-27 D.D.L. report with driver held
11-28 Registration request with driver held
11-29 Subject has no record
11-30 Incomplete telephone call
11-31 Person calling for help
11-40 Advise if ambulance needed
11-41 Ambulance needed
11-42 No ambulance needed
11-43 Doctor required
11-44 Coroner required
11-45 Attempted suicide
11-46 Death report
11-47 Injured Person
11-48 Furnish transportation
11-51 Escort
11-52 Funeral detail
11-54 Suspicious vehicle
11-55 Officer being followed by auto
11-56 Office being followed by auto dangerous persons
11-57 Unidentified auto at assignments
11-58 Radio monitored, use phone
11-59 Intensive attention: high hazard, business areas
11-60 Attack in high hazard area
11-65 Signal light out
11-66 Defective traffic signal light
11-70 Fire Alarm
11-71 Fire Report
11-78 Aircraft accident
11-79 Accident – ambulance sent
11-80 Accident – major injuries
11-81 Accident – minor injuries
11-82 Accident – no injuries
11-83 Accident – no detail
11-84 Manual traffic control requested
11-85 Tow truck requested
11-86 Bomb threat
11-87 Bomb found
11-94 Pedestrian stop
11-95 Routine traffic stop
11-96 Checking suspicious vehicle
11-97 Time/security check on patrol
11-98 Meet ____
11-99 Under attack, immediate assistance required!
Police Scanner Ten Codes
What are Police Scanner Ten Codes?
These codes are used to replace actual words or phrases used in radio communications. They are often used by police and fire departments. In most cases, they are used in ambulances during emergencies. Those involved in rescue operations during disasters also use them. Among popular police scanner ten codes is “10-4.” It means a radio message or signal is received loud and clear.
Why “Ten” Codes?
There are some dozens (not just ten) of police scanner ten codes generally in use today. They are all prefixed with the number ten. Hence, the term “ten” codes. “Ten” was chosen way back in 1937. It was the time when radio communication codes began to be used. This was to hasten police reporting through radio and remedy the problem of radio static. The first few seconds of transmission was blurred by static. Hence, to make sure messages were not affected by it, a preliminary code “10” was first sent immediately followed by the main code.
Common Police Scanner Ten Codes
10-00 Officer down, all patrols respond
10-0 Caution
10-1 Reception poor
10-2 Reception good
10-3 Stop transmitting
10-4 Message received, understood
10-5 Repay message
10-6 Change channel
10-7 Out of service
10-7A Out of service, home
10-7B Out of service, personal
10-7C Out of service (court)
10-8 In service
10-9 Repeat message
10-10 Off duty
10-10A Off duty, home
10-11 Identify frequency
10-12 Visitor(s) present
10-13 Weather and road advice
10-14 Citizen w/suspect
10-15 Prisoner in custody
10-15m Prisoner in custody (mental case)
10-16 Pick up prisoner
10-17 Request for gasoline
10-18 Equipment exchange
10-19 Return(ing) to station
10-20 Location
10-21 Telephone
10-21A Advise home I will return at ____
10-21B Call your home
10-22 Disregard last assignment
10-23 Stand by
10-24 Request car-to-car transmit
10-25 Do you have contact with ____
10-26 Clear
10-27 D.D.L. report
10-28 Registration request
10-29 Check for wants
10-29A Check wants, subject (PIN)
10-29C Check complete, subject (NCIC)
10-29F Subject wanted, felony
10-29H Hazard potential from subject
10-29M Subject wanted, misdemeanor
10-29R Check wants and record, subject (PIN, CJIC)
10-29V Vehicle wanted
10-30 Doesn’t conform to regulations
10-31 Is lie detector available?
10-32 Drowning
10-33 Alarm sounding, audible
10-34 Assist at office
10-35 Time check
10-36 Confidential information
10-37 Identify operator
10-38 Your destination
10-39 Can ____ come to the radio?
10-40 Is ____ available for phone call?
10-42 Check the welfare of/at ____
10-43 Call a doctor
10-44 Station _________ is calling your residence
10-45 Condition of patient?
10-45A Condition of patient: good
10-45B Condition of patient: serious
10-45C Condition of patient: critical
10-45D Condition of patient: dead
10-46 Advise if ________ available at phone
10-47 Officer ______ is available at _________
10-48 Not available for assignment/out for coffee or whatever
10-49 Proceed to ____
10-50 Under influence of drugs
10-51 Drunk
10-52 Resuscitator
10-53 Man down
10-54 Possible dead body
10-55 Coroner case
10-56 Suicide
10-56A Suicide attempt
10-57 Missing person
10-59 Security check
10-60 Lock-out
10-61 Miscellaneous public service
10-62 Meet a citizen
10-62A Take a report from a citizen
10-62B Civilian standby
10-63 Prepare to copy
10-64 Found property
10-66 Suspicious person
10-67 Person calling for help
10-68 Telephone for police
10-70 Prowler
10-71 Shooting
10-72 Gun involved
10-73 How do you receive?
10-79 Bomb threat
10-80 Explosion
10-86 Any radio traffic?
10-88 Assume post
10-91 Animal
10-91A Animal, stray
10-91B Animal, noisy
10-91C Animal, injured
10-91D Animal, dead
10-91E Animal, bite
10-91G Animal, pickup
10-91J Animal, pickup collect
10-91L Animal, leash law violation
10-91V Animal, vicious
10-95 Requesting ID tech unit
10-97 Arrived at scene
10-98 Available to assign
10-99 Warrants or stolen vehicle indicated
10-100 Misdemeanor warrant
10-109 Suicide
10-200 Drugs involved
10-600 Livestock down
10-1000 Felony warrant
Common Police Scanner Abbreviated Codes
A Adult
A No rain expected
AC Aircraft crash
AC Animal control
ADW Assault with a Deadly Weapon
APB All points bulletin
ASAP As soon as possible
AID Accident Investigation Detail
AV Abandoned vehicle
B Rain Expected
BLK Block
BKG Booking
BO Out of Order
BOL Be On the Lookout
CP Complaining Party
CPD City or County Property Damage
CT Court
DB Dead Body
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles Information requested
E-B Eastbound
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
EXP Expired
FTA Failure to Appear
GOA Gone on Arrival
GTA Grand Theft Auto
INJ Injury
I/S Intersection
J Juvenile involved
LIC License
LT/T Left turn
M/C Motorcycle
NCIC National Criminal Information Center
NIA Non-Injury Accident
OBS Observed
OD Off Duty
OP LIC Operator’s License
OT Over Time
PAB Policy Administration Building
PI Personal Injury
POSS Possession
QT Secrecy required
RES DIST Residential District
ROF Report on File
RP Reporting Party
SPD Speed
UL Unable to Locate
UTL Unable to Locate
VEH Vehicle
VIN Vehicle Identification Number
WIT Witness
X Female involved
45/25 MPH clocked speed in zone
Common Police Scanner Internal Codes
Code 1 Acknowledge this Call
Code 2 Proceed Immediately with lights/without Siren
Code 3 Proceed Immediately with lights and Siren
Code 4 No further assistance required
Code 5 Stakeout – Uniformed Officers stay away
Code 6 Out of Vehicle for Investigation
Code 7 Out of Service to eat
Code 8 Fire Alarm
Code 9 Answering ring-down
Code 10 Bomb Threat
Code 12 Patrol your District and report extent of damage
Code 13 Major Disaster Activation
Code 14 Resume normal Operation
Code 20 Notify News Media to respond
Code 22 Restricted Radio Traffic
Code 30 Officer needs assistance – Emergency
Code 33 Emergency Traffic on Air – All units stand by
Code 43 TAC forces committed
Code 100 In position to intercept Suspect
Units Adam: Morning shift
Baker: Swing shift
Charlie: Day shift
Officers Adam: Auxiliary
Charlie: Captain
Denver: Detective
David: Detective
Frank: Felony Investigation
Henry: Homicide
John: Juvenile
Lincoln: Lieutenant
Nora: Narcotics
Paul: Patrol
Sam: Sergeant
X-Ray: Burglary
Victor: Vice/Narcotics
King: Helicopter
The Police Scanner Phonetic Alphabet
A- Alpha
B- Bravo
C- Charlie
D- Delta
E- Echo
F- Foxtrot
G- Golf
H- Hotel
I- India
J- Juliett
K- Kilo
L- Lima
M- Mike
N- November
O- Oscar
P- Papa
Q- Quebec
R- Romeo
S- Sierra
T- Tango
U- Uniform
V- Victor
W- Whiskey
X- X-Ray
Y- Yankee
Z- Zulu
Common Police Scanner Medical Fire/Status Codes
Code 10 Critical Trauma case
Code 20 Acute Trauma case
Code 30 Trauma case
Code 40 Serious case (IV started)
Code 50 Basic transport (not serious)
Code N Newsworthy event
Police Scanner Codes,