What Is a 10-15 Police Code? 10-15 Police Code

The 10-15 police code meaning for the police forces is Prisoner In Custody or Message Delivered.

If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner or watched a crime drama, you may have heard officers use number code “10-15.” But what is 10-15 police code? The 10-15 police code is a shorthand communication used by law enforcement to signal specific situations. In this case, 10-15 means “Prisoner in Custody” or “Message Delivered.”

What Does the 10-15 Police Code Mean?

In most jurisdictions, the police code 10-15 is used to indicate that a suspect has been detained and is now in police custody. It’s a vital piece of communication in active crime scenes, during traffic stops, or while transporting individuals to jail. In some areas or contexts, 10-15 can also mean “Message Delivered,” depending on how the radio communication protocol is structured.

For example:

“Unit 4, we have a 10-15 in progress.”
Translation: The officers have taken someone into custody.

While the primary meaning of 10-15 is “Prisoner in Custody,” law enforcement agencies may have slightly varying interpretations. Still, the code maintains consistent use in professional police communication to relay information quickly and clearly.

Why Do Police Use Codes Like 10-15?

Police codes, such as 10-15, are part of a standardized system originally developed to ensure faster, more efficient communication across law enforcement channels. Instead of explaining a situation in full sentences, officers can rely on codes to transmit crucial updates in just a few words.

The benefits of using codes like the 10-15 police code include:

Speed: Officers can communicate events more quickly in high-pressure scenarios.
Clarity: Reduces misunderstandings or misheard instructions, especially over noisy radio channels.
Confidentiality: Limits public understanding of police chatter for safety and operational efficiency.

By using radio codes like 10-15, law enforcement professionals maintain a clear and streamlined communication protocol, improving coordination and safety during operations.

What Is Prisoner in Custody?

In law enforcement terms, a “Prisoner in Custody” refers to any individual who has been lawfully detained, arrested, and is under police supervision. This could be for reasons such as committing a crime, being a suspect, or being detained for questioning. Once in custody, the person is often transported to a police station, jail, or holding facility.

So, when you hear the 10-15 police code, it typically signifies that the officer is dealing with a detained individual and may require backup, transportation, or simply wants to log that the arrest has been made.

What Is 10-15 Police Code?

The 10-15 police code stands for “Prisoner in Custody” or “Message Delivered” depending on the jurisdiction. It’s part of the 10-code radio communication system used by police officers to improve efficiency, safety, and clarity while working in the field.

If you’re interested in learning more about police codes, understanding terms like 10-15 gives you a deeper look into the fast-paced and precise world of law enforcement communication.

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Welcome to the Ultimate Police Codes Reference Website

Welcome to your trusted source for comprehensive police codes and signals used across the United States. Whether you’re a curious citizen, an aspiring law enforcement officer, a journalist, or a scanner enthusiast, our website is designed to be your go-to resource for learning about police 10 codes and radio signals.

Our goal is simple: to help you understand the most commonly used police codes—including the widely used 10-15 police code, as well as dozens of other codes that play a crucial role in emergency response and law enforcement communication.

Explore All Police Codes in One Place

We’ve curated a detailed and accurate police code lookup directory to make your search quick and easy. On this site, you can explore police codes used across different states, cities, and departments. From the familiar 10-4 code (Acknowledged) to the 10-7 (Out of Service) and the meaningful 10-42 (End of Duty), every code has a purpose in the fast-paced world of public safety.

Police codes are an essential tool for law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and emergency services, allowing them to communicate clearly and quickly during high-pressure situations. Understanding these codes can offer unique insight into how public safety professionals work behind the scenes to protect our communities.

What Is the 10-15 Police Code?

One of the frequently referenced codes is the 10-15 police code, which generally refers to an officer transporting a suspect or person in custody. This code is commonly heard on police scanners and in real-life police operations. If you’re using a police code scanner or listening to live police radio, you’ll often hear this and other 10 codes used in real time to manage and respond to incidents.

History of Police 10 Codes

Police 10 codes were first introduced between 1937 and 1940 as a way to standardize communication among officers. The concept was later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to improve efficiency and clarity over voice radio systems.

Interestingly, the roots of this communication system go back even further. In June 1935, APCO proposed a set of Morse code brevity codes in The APCO Bulletin. These early codes were inspired by U.S. Navy communication procedures and laid the foundation for the voice-based codes used today by police and emergency personnel.

Why We Created This Website

We’re passionate about emergency services communication and created this site out of respect and admiration for the brave men and women who serve our communities. We’ve spent years researching and gathering data on police signals and codes to provide a free, easy-to-use resource for anyone interested in the field of public safety.

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Learn, Listen, and Understand Police Codes

Whether you’re tuning into a police scanner or just looking to educate yourself about how first responders communicate, our police codes database has everything you need. Explore our complete list of police 10 codes, learn their meanings, and discover how they’re used daily across the U.S. by law enforcement professionals.

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