If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner, you’ve probably heard a series of numbers being exchanged between officers.
These are known as “10 codes” and they are used by law enforcement officers to communicate effectively and quickly over their radios. In this article, we will discuss the police 10 codes specifically used in the state of Georgia.
What are Police 10 Codes?
In the simplest terms, these are code words used by police to represent common phrases or situations. They were originally developed to reduce static and confusion over the radio waves.
For instance, ’10-4′ is universally recognized as “acknowledgement” or “OK.” However, it’s important to note that these codes can vary from state to state.
Common Police 10 Codes in Georgia
Let’s dive into some of the most frequently used 10 codes in Georgia:
Routine Codes
- 10-1: Unable to Copy (Change Location)
- 10-2: Signal Good
- 10-3: Stop Transmitting
- 10-4: OK – Acknowledgement
- 10-5: Relay
- 10-6: Busy (Out of car at___)
- 10-7: Out of Service
- 10-8: In Service
- 10-9: Repeat
Emergency and Urgent Situations
- 10-10: Fight in progress
- 10-33: Emergency
- 10-34: Riot (give location)
- 10-52: Ambulance needed
- 10-70: Fire
- 10-78: Need Assistance
- 10-98: Escape / Escape in Progress
Communication and Location Updates
- 10-18: Quickly
- 10-20: Location
- 10-21: Call by Phone
- 10-23: Arrived at Scene/Location
- 10-76: En route to ____
- 10-77: ETA (estimated time of arrival)
Miscellaneous Codes
- 10-25: Report in Person
- 10-26: Detaining subject, expedite
- 10-30: Unnecessary use of radio
- 10-39: Resume / Normal Traffic
- 10-44: Suicide or attempt
- 10-95: Subject in Custody
- 10-97: Check Signal
It’s crucial to remember that the interpretation of these codes can vary between different departments and regions. Always ensure you’re using the correct set of codes based on your location and department.
Police Agencies in GA That Use 10 Codes to Communicate
- Atlanta Police Department
- Gwinnett County Police Department
- Cobb County Sheriff Office
- DeKalb County Sheriff Department
- Fulton County Police Department
- Savannah Police Department
- Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
- Athens-Clarke County Police Department
- Clayton County Police Department
- Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Conclusion
Understanding these police 10 codes for Georgia can be helpful not only for those in law enforcement but also for civilians who want to understand what’s happening in their community.
However, remember that these codes are primarily used for efficient communication among officers and should not be used to interfere with police operations.
