Police 10-Codes
10-1
Signal weak
10-2
Signal good
10-3
Stop transmitting
10-4
Acknowledged / OK
Most widely known code
10-5
Relay message
10-6
Busy — stand by
10-7
Out of service
10-8
In service / Available
10-9
Repeat last message
10-10
Off duty
10-13
Weather / road conditions
10-20
Location
Most common field use
10-21
Call by telephone
10-22
Disregard / Cancel
10-23
Arrived at scene
10-26
Detaining suspect
10-27
Driver license check
10-28
Vehicle registration check
10-29
Check for warrants
10-31
Crime in progress
10-32
Person with gun
Armed subject
10-33
Emergency all units stand by
10-36
Correct time
Time check
10-38
Traffic stop
10-39
Urgent lights and siren
10-40
Silent run
Covert approach
10-50
Accident
Traffic collision
10-52
Ambulance needed
10-55
Suspected DUI
10-57
Hit and run
10-70
Fire alarm
10-76
En route
Responding
10-77
ETA
Estimated arrival
10-78
Need assistance
Officer needs backup
10-79
Notify coroner
Death at scene
10-80
Chase in progress
Vehicle pursuit
10-95
Prisoner in custody
10-98
Finished available
10-99
Wanted / stolen
High priority
Status Codes
Code 1
Routine no rush
Code 2
Urgent no siren
Code 3
Emergency lights and siren
Code 4
No further assistance
Code 5
Stakeout stay away
Plainclothes
Code 6
Out of car investigation
Code 7
Meal break
Code 9
Jail break
Escape in progress
Code 10
Bomb threat
Code 33
Emergency clear the air
Code 37
Subject wanted
Code 99
Officer needs help
Officer down
Penal / Incident Codes
187
Homicide
CA Penal Code
211
Robbery
245
Assault with deadly weapon
ADW
261
Rape
390
Drunk in public
415
Disturbing the peace
451
Arson
459
Burglary
484
Petty theft
487
Grand theft
502
DUI
503
Vehicle theft
Grand theft auto
594
Vandalism
602
Trespassing
647
Disorderly conduct
NATO Prowords
| Proword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BREAK | Separates long messages without ending transmission |
| COPY | Message received and understood |
| CORRECTION | Error in previous transmission — correction follows |
| DO NOT ANSWER | Do not reply to this message |
| I SAY AGAIN | Intentionally repeating previous transmission |
| MORE TO FOLLOW | Additional information coming |
| NEGATIVE | No / Disagreement / Request denied |
| OUT | End of conversation — initiating station only |
| OVER | End of transmission — reply expected |
| READ BACK | Repeat this transmission verbatim back to me |
| RELAY TO | Forward to named station |
| ROGER | Received and understood your last transmission |
| SAY AGAIN | Repeat your last transmission |
| SILENCE x3 | All stations cease transmission immediately |
| SILENCE LIFTED | Normal communication may resume |
| VERIFY | Check and confirm the information |
| WILCO | Will comply — implies Roger, never use together |
Military Tactical Phrases
Oscar Mike
On the move
Unit relocating
Charlie Mike
Continue mission
Resume after interruption
Lima Charlie
Loud and clear 5x5
Signal quality
Bravo Zulu
Well done
NATO praise signal
Tango Yankee
Thank you
Radio courtesy
November Golf
No good
Negative assessment
Tango Delta
Target down
Engagement report
Whiskey Pete
White phosphorous
Munition type
40 Mike Mike
40mm grenade / M203
Weapons reference
Romeo Foxtrot
Radio frequency
Comms context
Military Acronyms
FUBAR
F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition
WWII origin
SNAFU
Situation Normal: All F***ed Up
WWII, now mainstream
BOHICA
Bend Over Here It Comes Again
Dark humour
TARFU
Things Are Really F***ed Up
Above SNAFU
AWOL
Absent Without Leave
Legal military status
FOB
Forward Operating Base
Tactical outpost
ROE
Rules of Engagement
Legal framework for force
SITREP
Situation Report
Command update format
Critical Radio Rules
NEVER say "REPEAT" on radio. It is an artillery command meaning fire again. Always say SAY AGAIN.
NEVER say WILCO and ROGER together. WILCO already implies Roger.
NEVER say WILCO and ROGER together. WILCO already implies Roger.
NZ Police Notes
NZ Police use a modified 10-code set. Common NZ codes: 10-1 Signal weak · 10-4 Acknowledged · 10-20 Location · 10-76 En route.