Understanding Police Code 10-35: Insight into a Major Crime Alert

The police ten codes were initially developed to enable shorthand, clarity, and standardization of messages transmitted over radio channels. However, their usage varies significantly from state to state and even between departments. Most police forces now opt for plain language communication, with many officers and dispatchers using these codes only as a reference until they are memorized.

History and Usage of Ten Codes

While the exact ten codes can change from department to department, some basic codes like 10-7 (out of service) and 10-8 (in service) are still commonly used. One of the more significant codes is 10-35, which is specifically used to alert officers of a major crime incident. This code serves a critical function by drawing the attention of officers who may be busy with other tasks, such as traffic stops or meal breaks, prior to providing the necessary details.

- 10-35: This code is an alert for major crime incidents. When a 10-35 is transmitted, it signals that a significant crime has occurred. For example, a vehicle theft at a specific location is communicated this way, providing the vehicle and suspect descriptions to officers.

Significance of 10-35 in Police Communication

The utility of the 10-35 code lies in its ability to quickly direct attention to critical information before the dispatcher can provide the specifics. This is particularly important in dynamic situations where quick action could lead to a resolution of the incident.

Why Use Ten Codes?

The use of ten codes dates back to a time when radio communication was less sophisticated and required brevity to ensure quick and accurate transmission of information. However, in modern times, these codes may serve more as a reference than as the primary means of communication. The lack of a standardized set of ten codes is a significant challenge, as different departments may use the same code for entirely different purposes.

Personal Perspective

As a retired Sheriff's Deputy from California, one of my former agencies utilized clear text communication, urging officers to convey messages succinctly without unnecessary elaboration. This practice was prevalent in California, but many other departments still rely on ten codes for various reasons.

A key challenge in understanding ten codes is the lack of universal standards. For instance, 10-35 might refer to different types of incidents in different departments. To complicate matters further, some codes have additional breakdowns using letters like 'J', which can refine or explain the meaning further. For instance, 10-12 10-5 J-1 might indicate any authorized person or action, while 10-55 could denote an unauthorized action, such as an intoxicated driver.

Where to Find Ten Code Information

While a local uniform shop in your area that services first responders might have a card available with the meanings of each ten code, one of the most effective ways to obtain this information is through online resources. Simply searching for the ten code you are interested in will yield a wealth of detailed explanations and variations across different departments.

In conclusion, while ten codes are still in use in some departments, their utility is diminishing in the age of digital communication and the need for quick, clear, and direct messages. Understanding ten codes, such as 10-35, is important for those who rely on radio communication in law enforcement, but for the average person, it is acceptable to use plain language for clarity and brevity.