The Real Meanings Behind 10 Common Police Codes

When it comes to the common "10 code" police officers often use across the country, most of us are pretty much only familiar with "10-4."

And that's just because truck drivers adopted the phrase for their own CB radio jargon to mean "affirmative," too! So you might be surprised to learn there's a lot more of those codes — all starting with the same digits.

I honestly never thought about there being other numbers assigned to the 10 code, but it definitely makes a lot of sense. Each one helps an officer address any issue as quickly and efficiently as possible. After all, in emergency situations, there's no time to waste on extra chitchat.

Knowing what officers are really saying when they use the codes below can help you know exactly what's going on in your own surroundings.

Take a look at the real meaning behind these common 10 codes, and be sure to SHARE the info with your friends on Facebook!

[H/T: Cop Radar]

1. "10-0"

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Wikimedia Commons / Tony Webster

Meaning: Use caution.

The Association of Police Communications Officers start their code all the way back at zero.

2. "10-6"

Photo approved for release by JO1(SW) Stefanie Holzeisen-mullen, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic, (757) 444-4199 x 344
Wikimedia Commons / United States Navy

Meaning: Busy.

This quickly lets their fellow officers know they won't be able to respond to an issue — unless it's urgent, that is.

3. "10-9"

Early morning workout
U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Mike Meares

Meaning: Say again.

The officers can't take a chance missing out on any important information, so this code helps them double-check their message.

4. "10-13"

weather-1.jpg
Wikimedia Commons / Al Jazeera English

Meaning: Weather conditions.

Rain, shine, sleet, or snow — this is how most officers update the rest of their crew on road conditions based on weather.

5. "10-17"

enroute.jpg
Pixabay / diegoparra

Meaning: En route.

This can also be used to direct an officer to meet with a "complainant," like someone pressing charges in a case.

6. "10-18"

urgent.jpg
U.S. Air Force photo / Samuel King Jr.

Meaning: Urgent.

An officer who hears this knows they need to really speed up on their way to an emergency.

7. "10-28"

State Trooper
Flickr / Einar Jørgen Haraldseid

Meaning: Vehicle information.

This is used to make sure vehicles are properly registered and not reported stolen during traffic stops.

8. "10-33"

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Flickr / Tony Webster

Meaning: Need immediate assistance.

Officers know this will get the message across quickly when they need some backup.

9. "10-53"

Police Crime Detective Search Road Block Security
Max Pixel

Meaning: Road blocked.

They'll also include the location of the road for dispatch, along with this code, of course.

10. "10-74"

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Wikimedia Commons / Rhododendrites

Meaning: Prison or jail break.

This is also sometimes used to mean "negative" when a message can't be confirmed or wasn't understood.

Did you know all of these 10 codes police officers use?

Be sure to SHARE the fascinating meaning behind each one with your friends on Facebook!