What is a 10-1 police code?

Asked by: Alba Dibbert  |  Last update: July 3, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)

In police radio "10-codes," 10-1 most commonly means that an officer's radio signal is weak, receiving poorly, or that they need to "say again" due to bad reception. It is used to alert dispatchers to poor communication quality, often as a contrast to 10-2 (signal good).

What does 10-1 mean in police code?

In most law enforcement agencies, 10-1 means that an officer’s radio signal is weak or they are receiving transmissions poorly. It is used to indicate that communication is difficult, asking the other party to repeat themselves or to suggest changing locations to improve reception.

What does code 10-1 mean?

A "10-1" code generally means receiving poorly (weak signal) in police and radio communication, but in film and production crews, it specifically means a short bathroom break.

What is the 10 code for dead body?

Many agencies use the 10 code “10-67" to report a death. The code “10-66" also means “notify medical examiner.”

What does 10-1 and 10-2 mean?

In the context of film production and walkie-talkie lingo, "10-1" and "10-2" are codes for taking a bathroom break. 10-1 means going to the bathroom for a short break (urinating), while 10-2 indicates a longer break (defecating).

Police 10 Codes. What they mean and easy way to learn them.

21 related questions found

What is a 10-13 in cop code?

10-13 Advise weather and road conditions.

What does a 10/20 mean?

The phrase essentially means, “What is your location?” or “Identify your position,” but is a corrupted phrase from the original “10-20” used by law enforcement to verbally encode their radio transmissions so that non-police listeners would not easily discover police operations, as well as to communicate quicker and ...

What does 1042 mean in cop code?

Police officer retirement (North America)

The officer gives a 10-7 code (Out of service) and then a 10-42 code (ending tour of duty).

What does 217 mean in police?

217 Assault with intent to murder.

What does 10 1 mean in slang?

"10-1" is industry slang for a short bathroom break (number one) on a film or production set. It is a discreet, professional way to inform the crew over a walkie-talkie that you are temporarily stepping away.

What does 22 mean in cop terms?

In law enforcement, "Code 22" typically means restricted radio traffic, instructing all officers to stay off the air unless they have an urgent or emergency message. Because police codes vary widely across jurisdictions, the exact meanings of numbers depend on where you are.

What does 10/7 mean in cop lingo?

In police code, 10-7 generally means "out of service" or "off duty," indicating that an officer or unit is unavailable for calls. It is commonly used for lunch breaks, end-of-shift, or personal business, and in some contexts, it is used as a somber, unofficial term for a deceased person.

Why do they say 10:1?

If you call "10-1" on the walkie, the crew knows you're stepping away for a moment. This code comes from the old ten-code system used by police & CB radio operators in the 1930s and '40s.

What does 97 mean in cop talk?

In police radio code, 10-97 (often shortened to "97") universally means that an officer has arrived at the scene of an incident or assignment. It is used to inform dispatch that they are on-site and beginning to handle the situation.

What does 10/2 mean in code?

10-2 Good Signal.

What does 33 33 mean in police code?

3. Roll Call a. Dispatcher will simulcast “Code 33, Code 33, all units stand by for a Roll Call.” i. If all units are accounted for or the reason roll call was initiated is discovered and is not an emergency, dispatch may cancel the Code 33.

Why does 10/4 mean ok?

"10-4" means "OK" or "message received" because it is a radio brevity code developed in the 1930s-40s to make police communication quick and precise. The "10" is a prefix for the code, while "4" signifies acknowledgement or understanding.

What is a 1056 cop code?

10-56.” While 3.53 am meant the time, fans were confused about the use of COD which was 10-56. However, COD means the cause of death and 10-56 is also a police code for death by suicide.

What does a 10-41 mean?

The meaning of "10-41" depends on the context, but it most commonly refers to a police 10-code meaning "beginning tour of duty" (starting a shift).

What does 415 mean in cop terms?

California Penal Code (CPC) §415 – Disturbing The Peace – In California, the crime of Disturbing The Peace occurs under three circumstances: 1) whenever people fight (or someone challenges another person to fight) unlawfully in public; 2) whenever a person willfully disturbs another with loud and unreasonable noise; or ...

What is a 240 cop code?

In California police radio codes and penal codes, 240 stands for Assault. It is defined as an unlawful attempt, coupled with the present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person.

What does a 10/42 mean?

“10-42”: This particular code is used to indicate an officer's end of tour.

What is a 20 in police talk?

It comes from the police radio code "10-20," which means "location." This code was made in the 1930s and later used by truckers and CB radio users to ask for someone's location.

What is a 10-21 police code?

In police radio communication, 10-21 universally means "Call by telephone".