Radio Codes
What does 10-4 mean?
(Acknowledgment / Affirmative)
What phrase do officers use to request a license plate check?
(“Run a 28”)
What is the first thing an officer should do on a traffic stop?
(Notify dispatch with location and plate number)
What are the 5 W’s in a police report?
(Who, What, When, Where, Why)
What should an officer say when making a routine traffic stop?
(“Dispatch, I’m conducting a stop at [Location] with a [Vehicle Description & Plate #]”)
What is the radio code for officer needs assistance?
(10-33 or 10-99, depending on department)
What does “clear the channel” mean?
(Only emergency traffic allowed)
Why do officers keep their hand on a vehicle during a traffic stop?
(To leave fingerprints as evidence)
Why should officers write reports in chronological order?
(To accurately document events as they happened)
What does an officer say after arresting a suspect?
(Advise dispatch, request transport, state charge)
What does 10-7 mean?
(Out of service)
What is the purpose of plain talk instead of 10-codes?
(To improve clarity between agencies)
What is the reactionary gap?
(The distance needed to react to a threat)
What should be included in a use-of-force report?
(Type of force used, suspect actions, officer response)
An officer sees someone acting suspicious near a school. What should they do?
(Radio in the description, observe, approach cautiously)
What does 10-20 mean?
(What’s your location?)
How should officers describe suspect clothing over the radio?
(From head to toe, outerwear first)
Why should an officer position their patrol car at an angle behind a stopped vehicle?
(For cover in case of an attack)
What does “objective language” mean in report writing?
(Sticking to facts, avoiding opinions)
What should dispatch do when an officer does not respond to a radio check?
(Send backup to their last known location)
What is the radio code for an armed subject?
(10-32)
What does “Code 4” mean?
(Scene is secure, no further assistance needed)
What should officers do before approaching a suspicious person?
(Observe body language, maintain distance, keep one hand free)
Why is accuracy crucial in police reports?
(Reports can be used in court as legal evidence)
During a robbery call, dispatch hears an officer say “Code Red.” What does this mean?
(High-risk situation, need backup ASAP)