Ten and Eleven Codes Training for Explorer Program
Rohnert Park Explorer Training Program
Department of Public Safety
Ten Codes and Eleven Code
Radio Codes Overview
Radio codes are often used to provide a concise, professional way of conveying
messages over the air. Codes tend to eliminate unnecessary verbiage and
explanation, thereby reducing air time and increasing radio channel efficiency.
It is the position of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety that radio codes be
used whenever applicable. However, it must be kept in mind that codes are not
always standard between agencies. To avoid misunderstandings, when
communicating with outside agencies, it is recommended that clear text (plain
English) be used in lieu of radio codes. Also, citizens are not expected to
understand police jargon or codes.
Purpose of Radio Codes
Provides a concise method of conveying messages
Eliminates unnecessary verbiage and explanation
Reduces air time on already congested radio frequencies
Provides some confidentiality
Use of Radio Codes
Whenever possible in lieu of words or phrases
Always use complete radio codes
Use clear text when talking to outside agencies
Code Meaning
10 and 11 Codes Page 1 of 5
Rohnert Park Explorer Training Program
Department of Public Safety
10-1 TRANSMISSION UNREADABLE
Indicates that radio transmissions are not clear enough to be
understood.
10-2 TRANSMISSION READABLE (You’re clear)
Indicates that radio transmissions are clear and
understandable.
10-4 MESSAGE RECEIVED (I copy)
Indicates that a transmission has been received and the
message or request was understood. This is not a synonym
for yes or affirmative.
10-6 BUSY
Advisory that the unit or dispatcher is temporarily unable to
copy radio traffic or handle a request due to other duties
being performed.
10-7 OUT OF SERVICE
Indicates the field unit will be away from the vehicle and
unavailable for details. Location must be provided.
10-8 IN SERVICE (Available)
Indicates that the field unit is available for assignment and/or
messages.
10-9 REPEAT
A request from a field unit or dispatcher to repeat the previous
transmission.
10-15 PRISONER IN CUSTODY
Advisory that a subject has been taken into custody
(arrested).
10-17 SECURITY CHECK
Extra patrol of a location, either in a vehicle or on foot.
Location must be provided.
10-19 RETURN(ING) TO STATION
Request that the field unit return to their assigned work
location, or advisory by the field unit that they are returning to
their assigned work location.
10-20 LOCATION
Inquiry of a field unit’s location, or an advisory of the field unit
of their location
10-21 TELEPHONE (Call)
A code used in place of the word telephone. May be a
request to make a telephone call, or an advisory that a
telephone call has been or will be made. “Give me a 10-21”
10-22 CANCEL
Request for either the field unit or dispatcher to cancel a
request or assignment.
10-23 STANDBY
10 and 11 Codes Page 2 of 5
Rohnert Park Explorer Training Program
Department of Public Safety
Request to hold radio traffic until the receiving station advises
they are clear to copy.
10-26 PERSON CHECK
Full inquiry check-wants, DL, DVROS, SRF, NCIC etc
10-27 CDL INFORMATION
Inquiry or response of Department of Motor Vehicles driver
information.
10-28 VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Inquiry or response regarding Department of Motor Vehicles
registration information for a vehicle or vessel.
10-29 CHECK FOR WANTS AND WARRANTS
Inquiry to ascertain if wants or warrants may exist on a
person or piece of property.
10-33 ALARM SOUNDING
Normally refers to a police-type alarm: burglary or robbery.
10-34 OPEN DOOR
10-35 OPEN WINDOW
10-36 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Advisory that the information about to be broadcast is
classified or confidential and could pose a threat to the
officer’s safety, the officer should take appropriate
precautions.
10-36F FELONY WANT
Advisory that a subject has a felony want
10-36M MISDEMEANOR WANT
Advisory that a subject has a misdemeanor want
10-49 PROCEED(ING) TO/EN ROUTE TO
Request to a field unit to respond to a certain location, or an
advisory from a field unit that they are responding to a
particular location. Location must be provided.
10-54 POSSIBLE DEAD BODY
10-55 CORONER’S CASE
Indicates that a subject has expired.
10-56 SUICIDE
Indicates a subject has expired, apparently of self-inflicted
causes.
10-56A/1056T ATTEMPTED SUICIDE/ SUICIDAL THREATS
Indicates a subject is either threatening or attempted to kill
themselves.
10-57 FIREARMS DISCHARGED
10-62 MEET THE CITIZEN
10-66 SUSPICIOUS PERSON
10 and 11 Codes Page 3 of 5
Rohnert Park Explorer Training Program
Department of Public Safety
Refers to a person who is acting in a suspicious manner.
10-70 PROWLER
Refers to a person who appears to be prowling.
10-73 HOW DO YOU RECEIVE?
10-87 MEET THE OFFICER
A code which may be substituted for the word “meet”.
10-91 ANIMAL COMPLAINT (rarely used, use AC instead)
10-97 ARRIVED AT LOCATION or ON SCENE
Advisory by the field unit that they have arrived at the location
of an incident or an assignment to which they were
dispatched.
10-98 FINISHED ASSIGNMENT
Advisory from the field unit that they have completed their
assignment and are back in service.
B Personal
C Home
X Female
J Juvenile
10 and 11 Codes Page 4 of 5
Rohnert Park Explorer Training Program
Department of Public Safety
Eleven Code
Code Meaning
11-24 ABANDONED VEHICLE
Refers to an unoccupied motorized vehicle left parked on a
public roadway for over 72 hours.
11-25 TRAFFIC HAZARD
Refers to any vehicle, object or situation which poses a
hazard for passing motorists.
11-26 STRANDED MOTORIST
Refers to any stalled vehicle in the roadway.
11-48 TRANSPORTATION
Advisory that a field unit is providing transportation for a
citizen or subject.
11-54 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
Refers to a vehicle that is suspicious in nature.
11-79- use TC TRAFFIC COLLISION – EMS RESPONSE
Traffic collision with injuries, with Fire/EMS response required.
11-80- use TC TRAFFIC COLLISION – MAJOR INJURY
Traffic collision with major injuries.
11-81- use TC TRAFFIC COLLISOIN- MINOR INJURY
Traffic collision with minor injuries.
11-82 TRAFFIC COLLISION – NO INJURIES
Traffic collision with no apparent injuries. Property damage
may have occurred.
11-83- use TC TRAFFIC COLLISION – UNKNOWN INJURIES
Traffic collision where it is unknown if anyone has been
injured. Usually results in a code 3 response by field units.
11-84 TRAFFIC CONTROL
Indicates that manual traffic control is requested or being
provided.
11-85 TOW TRUCK
A code used in place of the phrase “tow truck”.
11-86 VEHICLE STOP or TRAFFIC STOP or BIKE STOP
Advisory that a field unit is stopping an occupied vehicle.
10 and 11 Codes Page 5 of 5