10-codes
Police radio jargon
10-codes are standardized radio communication codes used primarily by police, emergency services, and truck drivers.
Each code pairs "10" with a number to convey a specific meaning: 10-4 means message received, 10-20 means location, 10-7 means out of service.
The system allowed quick, clear communication over crackling radios, though many departments have moved toward plain language.
What's your 10-20?
Send with speed
- officerAuthority figure in uniform
- patrolRegular surveillance route
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- law enforcementUpholding legal codes
scanner · squad car · backup · emergency · crime · suspect · location · status
Abbreviated writing system
- transmissionSending of information
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- affirmativeExpressing agreement or consent
- negativeOpposite of affirmative
acknowledge · roger · over · standby · disregard · repeat · message received · frequency
Major road for travel
- smokeyResembling burning fumes
- convoyGuarded traveling group
- breakerWave that collapses shoreward
- handlePart for gripping
eighteen-wheeler · rest stop · weigh station · mile marker · roadway · interstate · big rig · diesel
Emergency medical transport
- fire departmentBlaze-fighting public service
- first responderInitial crisis scene personnel
- 911Crisis response number
- priorityStatus of greater importance
urgent · medical emergency · scene · arrival · transport · hospital · rescue · paramedic
dispatch
Send with speed
law enforcement · scanner · squad car · backup · emergency · crime · suspect · location · status · en route
shorthand
Abbreviated writing system
- transmissionSending of information
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- affirmativeExpressing agreement or consent
negative · acknowledge · roger · over · standby · disregard · repeat · message received · frequency · channel
highway
Major road for travel
handle · eighteen-wheeler · rest stop · weigh station · mile marker · roadway · interstate · big rig · diesel · logbook
ambulance
Emergency medical transport
- fire departmentBlaze-fighting public service
- first responderInitial crisis scene personnel
- 911Crisis response number
priority · urgent · medical emergency · scene · arrival · transport · hospital · rescue · paramedic · EMT
- Police Communicationradio dispatch, dispatch, police scanner, scanner, dispatcher
- CB cultureCB, CB radio, breaker, ten-four, good buddy
- two-way radiostwo-way radio, walkie-talkie, walkie talkie, portable radio, transceiver
- Emergency Codes911, 999, SOS, trauma alert, cardiac arrest
10-codesplain language
Easily understood communication
plain English · clear text · plain speech · clear speech · plain talk