10 7 Police Code: Off Duty & Out of Service Radio Signal
The Association of Police Communications Officers (APCO) in Norfolk, Virginia, and Walnut Creek, California, has been vital in setting these standards. A common example is the “10-7” code, which means “Out of Service. “
The ten-code system was created in the 1937-1940 period to cut down on speech on police radios. It was simplified in 1954 by the San Diego Police Department. APCO made more updates in 1955 and 1974. This system became well-known in the 1950s, thanks to “Highway Patrol” on TV.
Origins and Development of Police Radio Codes
The police radio code system started in the 1930s. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) suggested using Morse code brevity codes in June 1935. But it was Charles “Charlie” Hopper, the Illinois State Police communications director, who made a big change in 1937. He created the famous “ten-codes.”
APCO Project Evolution
APCO’s early work helped start the police radio code system. Over time, they updated the codes in 1954, 1955, and through projects in 1967, 1973, and 1974. They kept making the system better to meet law enforcement’s changing needs.
Charles Hopper’s Innovation
Charles Hopper made a big leap with the “ten-” prefix for police radio codes. This solved a big problem of early radio systems. The “ten-” prefix gave operators time to get to full power, making communication better and more reliable.
Early Radio Technology Challenges
Early police radio faced big tech challenges. The old equipment caused delays, leading to unclear messages. Hopper’s “ten-” prefix helped fix these problems. It made radio communication smoother for law enforcement.
| Common 10-Codes | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10-4 | Acknowledgment (OK) |
| 10-0 | Use Caution |
| 10-6 | Busy |
| 10-13 | Weather Conditions |
| 10-31 | Crime in Progress |
10 7 Police Code Definition and Usage
The 10-7 police code is a key part of the ten-code system in the U.S. It means an officer is “out of service.” This means they are not available or not on duty.
The ten-code system was made to help police talk quickly and clearly. It lets them share important info fast. The 10-7 code is just one of many codes used in police radio talk.
| Police Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| 10-4 | Acknowledgment |
| 10-7 | Out of Service |
| 10-10 | Fight in Progress |
| 10-31 | Crime in Progress |
| 10-55 | Intoxicated Driver |
| 10-70 | Fire Alarm |
| 10-95 | Prisoner/Subject in Custody |
The 10-7 code is well-known, but its meaning can change by place. In 2016, the U.S. Government suggested using simple language to clear up confusion in police talks.
“In 2016, lack of standardization led the US Government to recommend the use of everyday language to avoid confusion in police communications.”
Even with these changes, the ten-code system is key for police radio talk. It helps officers share vital info and work together in the field.
Essential Radio Communication Protocols
Police radio communication is based on clear rules. Officers learn to speak clearly and follow these rules. They also make sure to send urgent messages first. This helps get important information across quickly and avoids mistakes.
Voice Communication Best Practices
Police officers are taught to speak clearly and briefly on the radio. They must follow radio etiquette, like saying who they are and confirming messages. This helps everyone understand each other better and avoids missing important details.
Emergency Response Protocols
In emergencies, police use special codes for quick action. Codes like “10-33” (officer in distress) and “10-78” (emergency response needed) are used. These codes help dispatchers and other officers know what to do fast.
The Association of Police Communications Officers (APCO) has a set of codes called the APCO 10 Signals. These cover many situations, from simple updates to urgent calls. They make sure everyone knows what’s happening and can act quickly.
Common Ten-Codes for Officer Safety
In law enforcement, clear communication is key for officer safety. Ten-codes, a system of radio signals, help officers share vital info fast. Some common ten-codes for safety include:
- 10-0 (Use Caution): Warns of a risky situation, urging officers to be extra careful.
- 10-32 (Man with Gun): Alerts of an armed person, calling for quick action.
- 10-33 (Emergency): Signals a major emergency, needing fast backup and help.
- 10-78 (Need Assistance): Shows the need for more officers to help or support.
These codes help officers quickly share danger and ask for help. Though meanings might differ slightly, their goal is clear: to keep officers and the public safe through fast, clear communication.
| Ten-Code | Meaning | Relevance to Officer Safety |
|---|---|---|
| 10-15 | Indicates possession of a prisoner in custody | Crucial for managing detainees and maintaining control of the situation |
| 10-28 | Refers to a request for vehicle registration, a common police check activity | Allows officers to gather information about individuals and possible threats |
| 10-43 | Relates to calling a doctor in emergency situations | Necessary for giving medical help to officers or civilians in need |
| 10-57 | Denotes when a firearm has been discharged | Shows a critical incident needing immediate response and investigation |
| 10-71 | Signifies a shooting incident | Alerts officers to an active and dangerous situation |
These ten-codes are vital in police radio talk. They let officers share important info and ask for help fast. This ensures their safety and the safety of the public they protect.
Emergency and Priority Radio Signals
In law enforcement, Emergency and priority radio signals are vital for urgent situations. They help officers share critical info quickly and clearly.
Critical Response Codes
The 10-33 code means an emergency needs immediate help. It alerts dispatch and nearby officers to act fast. The 10-78 code means an officer needs backup, showing they need help.
Urgent Situation Protocols
When an officer faces an urgent situation, they must tell dispatch and others about it. Codes like 10-99 for an officer in distress get a quick response. These rules help law enforcement respond well to emergencies.
Officer Assistance Signals
- 10-78: Officer needs assistance
- 10-99: Officer in distress
- Signal 7: Emergency
- Signal 12: Reply by phone
These signals quickly call for backup when an officer is in danger. Recognizing and acting on these codes helps keep officers safe.
Service Status and Location Codes
Police use “10-codes” to share important info quickly during radio talks. Two main types are service status and location reporting codes.
Service status codes, like 10-7 (Out of Service) and 10-8 (In Service), tell dispatchers and others if an officer is ready. These codes help make sure the department’s resources are used well. The 10-6 (Busy) code also lets officers say they’re busy, keeping the team in sync.
Location reporting codes, such as 10-20 (Location), help officers share where they are. This is key for quick and effective responses to emergencies. It helps the department move officers around efficiently.
Using these codes helps police work better together. It makes them faster to respond and keeps everyone safe.
Officer Retirement and End of Service Protocols
When police officers retire, a special tradition marks their final days. The “10-7” (out of service) and “10-42” (end of tour) calls let them sign off. They get thanks from dispatch and their peers.
Final Radio Call Procedure
Officers make a final radio call before they retire. This can be during their last shift or on their last day. They use the 10-code system to say they’re “10-7” and “10-42.”
This moment is emotional. It lets the officer get a farewell from their colleagues. Each department might do it differently, but the feeling is the same. It’s a celebration of their service and a warm goodbye.
Traditional Sign-off Sequences
The final call includes thanks and wishes from the retiring officer. They might thank their colleagues and wish them well. It’s a heartfelt way to say goodbye.
For example, a retiring officer might say: “Dispatch, this is Officer Smith, badge number 1234, 10-7 and 10-42. It’s been an honor to serve for 30 years. Stay safe, and take care of each other. This is Officer Smith, signing off for the last time. End of watch.”
These traditions help the retiring police officer close their police retirement chapter. They get a meaningful end of watch from their department and colleagues.
Regional Variations in Ten-Code Usage
The ten-code system was created in the 1930s to make police communication clearer. It has changed a lot over the years, with different areas using it in their own ways. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) first published the standard ten-codes in 1940 and updated them in 1974. But, each place has its own special codes, making communication tricky.
In New York, “10-13” means “Officer needs help.” But in the APCO system, it’s about “Weather and road conditions.” These differences can cause confusion, making it hard to work together during emergencies.
In 2006, the U.S. government suggested stopping the use of ten-codes for clearer communication. But, it’s been slow to change. Some police departments are using both old and new systems as they get used to the new way.
Even though there’s a push for standard communication, ten-codes are common in many places. They’re used in new tech like text messages and automated systems to make police work faster and more efficient.
“The use of Ten Codes, Look-Up Codes, and Signals has been approved for York County’s Police Departments and 911 Police Dispatchers, excluding Fire/EMS communications. For Multi-Discipline responses involving Police, Fire, and EMS, all verbal communications will be in plain English.”
As law enforcement changes, clear communication is more important than ever. The different ways ten-codes are used show the challenges in making sure everyone can talk clearly. It’s key for local, state, and federal agencies to work together to make communication better.
| Top 10 Codes | Usage Frequency |
|---|---|
| 10-0 (Caution) | 1% |
| 10-4 (Message Received) | 12% |
| 10-7 (Out of Order) | 5% |
| 10-8 (In Service) | 10% |
| 10-9 (Repeat Message) | 8% |
| 10-14 (Drunken State) | 3% |
| 10-20 (Location Inquiry) | 15% |
| 10-22 (Report in Person) | 7% |
| 10-26 (Cancel Last Info) | 4% |
| 10-30 (Misuse Alert) | 6% |
The table shows how often certain police codes are used. It highlights the importance of “10-4 (Message Received)” and “10-20 (Location Inquiry)” in police work.
But ten-codes aren’t just for police. Emergency medical services, security, and firefighters also use them. About 40% of police, 25% of emergency medical services, 15% of security, 10% of firefighters, and 10% of other groups use ten-codes.
The ten-code system is a big part of police communication. But, the move to plain language and the different ways it’s used show we need a better way to talk. This is key for keeping everyone safe in our changing world.
Conclusion
The ten-code system has been key in police talk for years. But, now, many police teams are moving to clear language. This change aims to make communication better and easier for everyone.
Even so, “10-7” and other codes are not going away. They are too much a part of police life. They are widely used and understood by all in law enforcement.
The history of police radio codes shows how technology keeps improving in police communication. As law enforcement technology gets better, so will the way we use radio codes. This will mix old and new ways of talking.
In the end, ten-codes are important for quick, clear, and safe talks among police. They help officers do their job well. This means keeping everyone safe and serving the community.
