Common sense prevailed!

[keith720]

Everyone is aware of the FEMA "guidelines" which strive to eliminate the "10-code". Well, the fine print says that the Feds. will with hold funding if 10 codes aren't eliminated when dealing with agencies outside of your local jurisdiction. It is "strongly recommended that "Plain English" be used within in agency," but is not a requirement. Well. our Sheriff decided that he doesn't like the "Plain English" so we've gone back to the "10" codes for our dispatch! It's great being able to go "10-41" again!

[Ducky]

Congrats!

[Willowdared]

Whoo hooo!

[Caveman]

It's great being able to go "10-41" again!

10-40 what???

Here is my dispatch group (non secretive) 10 codes..
By gosh, we don’t have a "10-41"....
What ever would we do in a crisis????

10-2 Radio Signal Good
10-4 Affirmative - Also means Situation OK
10-6 Busy
10-7 Out of Service
10-8 In Service
10-11 Beginning Shift
10-19 Return to Location
10-20 Present Location - Sometimes just referred to as 20
10-21 Telephone Dispatch
10-23 Arrived at Location
10-27 Drivers License Information
10-28 Vehicle Registration Information
10-29 Warrant Information
10-30 Dangerous Situation
10-34 Request Current Time
10-42 Change Talk Group
10-43 Telephone Precinct
10-45 Open Sally Port / Gate
10-46 Confidential
10-47 Minor Injury
10-48 Severe Injury
10-49 Fatal Injury
10-51 Sensitive Information
10-52 Felony Warrant
10-53 Misdemeanor Warrant
10-54 Warrant Confirmed
10-55 Subject Flagged Dangerous - Usually just read flag
10-61 Subject In Custody
10-62 Transporting Prisoner
10-63 Transporting Citizen
10-64 Transport Complete
10-71 Out of Service
10-72 Out of Service - Detail
10-73 Out of Service - Follow Up
10-74 Out of Service - Servicing Equipment
10-75 Out of Service
10-81 Conditionally Available - Coffee Break
10-82 Conditionally Available - Meal Break
10-83 Conditionally Available - Report Writing
10-84 Conditionally Available - Checking Vehicle
10-86 Conditionally Available - Walk & Talk
10-89 Conditionally Available - Other

[keith720]

[QUOTE=Charlie X;136545]10-40 what???

Here is my dispatch group (non secretive) 10 codes..
By gosh, we don’t have a "10-41"....
What ever would we do in a crisis????

I quess you'd just have to asssume I'm on duty (10-41) but then again, in the event of a crisis, I'd tell you that in "Plain English!"

[Tennsix]

My PD is still stuck on plain-talk. I wish we would go back to codes. The codes are intended for brevity, not secrecy. Some people incorrectly use the codes which defeats the reason for using them. 10-32 is “Man with a gun” but a lot of people will say “A man with a 10-32”. Anybody listening knows what you are saying.

[Coloradocop]

I'm all about plain talk. Codes confuse me, plus it doesn't seem to take any longer for dispatch to say "check for party with a gun" than it does to say "check on a 10-XX".

We use just use the following (non-secretive) codes:

Code 1: Call Dispatch
Code 2: Call Station
Code 3: Go to station
Code 4: Party not wanted/slang for "I'm okay here"
Code 5: Wanted Party
Code 6: Arrival on scene
Code 7: (this is by far the most important): LUNCH BREAK (or a coffee break -- which no one actually takes outside of day shift)
Code 9: Non-emergency run or request for cover
Code 10: Emergency run/ requesting cover to come in hot.

Even then, we really just use codes: 4,5,6,7,9,and 10. God only knows why we have no eight.

Beyond this, it is good ol' fashioned plain English

[keith720]

Old dog, old school! Gimme the 10 codes!

[Jackalope]

When I was an Explorer, the department only had a few codes for phrases that were used commonly. I don't like the idea of a code for every little thing that you might ever have to say. You're bound to forget the ones that rarely get used, and then you end up using plain English anyway.

Code 1: normal response
Code 2: [eliminated]
Code 3: expedited response
Code 4: no further assistance necessary
Code 5: maintain radio silence
Code 6: out for investigation
Code 7: check for wants on vehicle/object
Code 8: check vehicle registration
Code 9: check for wants on person
Code 10: break
Code 11: alarm at the jail
Code 12: improper radio use
Code 30: officer down

There are also single words that can be used almost like a code, but are more clear.

"In-Service" means on duty.
"Secure" means off duty.
"Out" means you've arrived at the location you were enroute to.
"Traffic" indicates you're making a traffic stop.
"Clear" means you've completed your stop/left the scene you were at.
"Land-line" means contact by phone.

So it's essentially plain English, but reduced to a sort of verbal short-hand.

[Lawdog32]

I would have to say Im old school as well just give me some good oldfashioned 10 codes

[121Traffic]

Code 1 - Emergency Traffic Only, hold air on primary, all non-emergent traffic to car-to-car
C2 - Expedited response, no lights/siren. (Code 2.5 is our unofficial way of saying we didn't run hot, but we busted all the lights and hauled ass. )
C3 - Emergent Response
C4 - I am okay unless I say otherwise
C5 - Party/Vehicle is wanted (although this is used mainly for people)
C6 - One in custody (actual arrest for violation...different from "Detaining One.)
C7 - Meal break, although it's almost never used as we are still supposed to be available for calls
C8 - Mental subject
C10 - Out with suspicious incident/vehicle/party
"Paul 14, Code 10."
"14, go ahead"
"Paul 14, 123 Main St. on an open door" or "Paul 14, Mom and Pop Laundry with Colorado plate 123ABC, occupied X4" etc.

There are also a few codes that are unwritten, such as signals to use if you are in duress but can't communicate, i.e. being held hostage, etc. As this is public, I won't disclose them.

"In-Service" means on duty. We also use this as a way of saying "I'm available" after a call is cleared
"Secure" means off duty. We use "Out of Service", "End of Watch", or "EOW"
"Out" means you've arrived at the location you were enroute to.We mostly use "onscene" but out is used as well
"Traffic" indicates you're making a traffic stop.
"Clear" means you've completed your stop/left the scene you were at.
"Land-line" means contact by phone.

Jackalope, we use the above phrases the exact same way except for my bold print. Plain English all the way.

[Welpe]

Our department uses the CHP 10 codes and I like them. There was a bit of a learning curve to them but now I don't even need to think about what they mean.

Call descriptions are mostly in plain speech, save a few penal code references. For example a dispatcher here will dispatch a call as "211 [robbery] in progress...." or "Units respond to a 415[disturbing the peace, physical or verbal fight] at Mother's Tavern...suspects are two white males...".

[Trojan 42]

I've never understood the need for codes that you have to think about what one you want, before you transmit. How can that be quicker? Glad I never had to use them in my service.

[Welpe]

I've never understood the need for codes that you have to think about what one you want, before you transmit.

I think most become familiar enough with the codes that they don't need to think about what they mean, they just know.

[Star Man]

I would have to say Im old school as well just give me some good oldfashioned 10 codes

Yep, codes are the way to go. If the shiznit hits the fan and we have several agencies on the radio then we can talk plain 'ol english if we need to.

[Star Man]

I've never understood the need for codes that you have to think about what one you want, before you transmit. How can that be quicker? Glad I never had to use them in my service.

It's 2nd nature. I hear guys even saying them in normal conversation with other cops, it becomes a substitute word you don't even think about. "Yea that sig20 (mentally challenged/insane) is calling in every day"

[Aegis]

We just got to switch back to 10-codes as well.

I think one of the major misunderstandings about 10-codes vs. "plain english" is the amount of traffic that is handled by codes. My department only uses about 30 different codes, and everything else is plain english. It's not like we use a huge string of codes that require you to learn the equivalent of a second language.

For me, the biggest benefit of codes is brevity. We have one frequency that we can use to speak to dispatch unless we switch to another agency's channel, and there are only two of those. When we were forced to go to plain english the radio traffic became longer and more rambling. I think the main reason for that, in our department, was the lack of a standardized response in plain english.

The second big benefit of 10-codes was clarity. When I was listening to another officer on the radio, I only had about 20 "codes" that I expected to hear him say in any situation. I was primed to go to Defcon 5 if I heard a certain code. I didn't have to think about it, it was like drawing your gun under a stress situation without realizing that you did it. Once you get used to the codes you don't think about them, they're just totally natural.

I could probably be more clear about this, but I am really tired right now. I worked 3rd shift last night, and there are guys in my house right now replacing all my windows. No sleep for Aegis.

[Beans]

Here is my list. I think 10-codes are a pain, when everyones are different. At least make them all the same.
Expanded Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Codes. 10-0 - Use Caution
10-1 - Signal Weak
10-2 - Signal Good
10-3 - Stop transmitting/Stand-By
10-4 - Affirmative/Everything is Okay
10-5 - Relay To...
10-6 - Busy
10-7 - Out Of Service
10-8 - In service
10-9 - Repeat
10-10 - Fight In Progress
10-11 - Animal Problem
10-12 - Stand By, Remain Alert, Stop
10-13 - Weather - Road Report
10-14 - Report Of Prowler
10-15 - Civil Disturbance
10-16 - Domestic Trouble
10-17 - Meet Complainant
10-18 - Urgent
10-19 - Return to...
10-20 - Location
10-21 - Phone Number/Person
J1 - At Your Convenience
10-22 - Disregard
10-23 - Arrived at Scene
10-24 - Assignment Completed
10-25 - Report in Person
10-26 - Detaining Subject, Expedite
10-27 - Drivers License Information
10-28 - Vehicle Registration Information
10-29 - Check Record for Wanted
J1 - Misdemeanor Arrest Record
J2 - Felony Arrest Record
J3 - Considered Dangerous
GM - Known Gang Member
SO - Registered Sex Offender
10-30 - Illegal Use of Radio
10-31 - Crime In Progress
10-32 - Man With Gun
10-33 - EMERGENCY
10-34 - Riot
10-35 - Major Crime Alert
10-36 - Correct Time
10-37 - Investigate Suspicious Auto
10-38 - Stopping Suspicious Auto
10-39 - Urgent-Use Light & Siren
10-40 - Tactical Situation
10-41 - Begin shift
10-42 - End shift
10-43 - Information
J1 - Confidential
10-44 - Request Permission To Leave Patrol For...
J1 - Personal Relief
J2 - Vehicle Service
J3 - Vehicle Wash
J4 - Meal Break
10-45 - Animal Carcass At...
10-46 - Assist Motorist
J3 - Vehicle Blocking Road
10-47 - Emergency Road Repairs Needed
10-48 - Traffic Control
10-49 - Traffic Light Out
10-50 - Traffic Accident
J1 - Minor
J2 - Serious W/ Injuries
J3 - Road Blocked
J4 - Fatality

10-51 - Wrecker Needed (Tow Truck)
10-52 - Ambulance Needed
10-53 - Road Blocked
10-54 - Livestock On Highway
10-55 - Intoxicated Driver
J1 - Charges will be filed
J2 - Make your own case
10-56 - Intoxicated Pedestrian
10-57 - Hit and Run
10-58 - Direct Traffic
10-59 - Convoy Or Escort (Bank Deposit Drop-Off)
10-60 - Squad In Vicinity
10-61 - Personnel In Area
10-62 - Reply To Message
10-63 - Prepare To Make Written Copy
10-64 - Message For Local Delivery
10-65 - Net Message Assignment
10-66 - Message Cancellation
10-67 - Clear To Read Net Message
10-68 - Crime Information
10-69 - Message Received
10-70 - Fire Alarm
10-71 - Advise Nature of Fire
10-72 - Report Progress on Fire
10-73 - Smoke Report
10-74 - Negative
10-75 - In Contact With...
10-76 - En Route
J1 - Prisoner
J2 - Female
J5 - To Make Relief
10-77 - ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
10-78 - Need Assistance
10-79 - Notify Coroner
10-80 - Unit-to-Unit Radio Traffic
10-81 - Prisoner in Custody
10-82 - Confidential/Status
J0 - No cars available at this time
J1 - Beat cars available
J2 - Overlay cars available
10-83 - Switch to STLCO Channel 8 (Car-to-Car Channel)
10-84 - Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
10-85 - Arrival Delayed - Will Be Late
10-86 - CAD Computer Down
10-87 - Pick Up...
10-88 - Advise phone number of...
10-89 - Please Reply / Report Status
10-90 - Bank Alarm
10-91 - Pick Up Subject
10-92 - Contract Service
J1 - Beginning Patrol
J2 - Ending Patrol
10-93 - Blockage
10-94 - Drag Racing
10-95 - Bomb Threat
10-96 - Detain Subject
10-97 - Test Signal
10-98 - Prior Offenses
10-99 - Positive Stolen/Wanted (see J Codes)
J1 - Misdemeanor Wanted or Stolen
J2 - Felony Wanted
J3 - Wanted and Considered Dangerous, May be Armed
J4 - USE EXTREME CAUTION
10-100 - Police Needed
10-105 - Deceased Body
10-106 - Suspicious Person
10-107 - Check Residence

[keith720]

beans, those are the same codes we use. I agree they should all be the same, but who's gonna tell a department that THEY are the ones that have to change?

[Beans]

beans, those are the same codes we use. I agree they should all be the same, but who's gonna tell a department that THEY are the ones that have to change?

I don't know, just thought it would be easier if everyone is on the same page.