What Is a 10-29a Police Code? 10-29a Police Code

The 10-29a police code meaning for the police forces is Check Wants Subject [PIN].

The 10-29a police code is a crucial part of police radio communication, used by officers to quickly convey critical information during operations. So, what is 10-29a police code? In law enforcement terminology, 10-29a means “Check Wants, Subject (PIN)”, which instructs dispatch to check whether a person has any outstanding wants, warrants, or alerts connected to their name or identification.

This code is especially useful during routine traffic stops, field interviews, or other encounters where verifying a subject’s criminal history is necessary for officer safety and proper protocol.

The Meaning Behind the 10-29a Police Code

The 10-29a police code falls under the broader system of APCO 10-Codes, a standardized set of radio signals that law enforcement agencies across the United States use for efficient and discreet communication. Specifically, 10-29a is used when an officer needs to determine if a person is wanted for any criminal offenses or has a warrant for arrest.

The phrase “Check Wants Subject (PIN)” breaks down into:

Check Wants: Refers to checking law enforcement databases for any “wants”—meaning active interest in locating a person for questioning or arrest.
Subject (PIN): The subject being referenced, identified by a Personal Identification Number (PIN), name, or another identifier.

When this code is called in, dispatchers run a background check on the individual through various law enforcement databases such as NCIC (National Crime Information Center) to provide up-to-date and accurate information.

The History of Police Codes Like 10-29a

To better understand what 10-29a police code is, it’s helpful to explore the history of police radio communication. In 1937, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) introduced the Ten-Code system, also known as 10-codes, to improve clarity and brevity in radio transmissions. This standardized language minimizes the chances of miscommunication between officers, especially during high-pressure or dangerous situations.

Why the 10-29a Police Code Matters

The 10-29a police code plays a vital role in ensuring officer safety and maintaining public security. By quickly verifying whether someone has active warrants, police can take appropriate action—whether that means proceeding with caution, calling for backup, or making an arrest.

In the modern era, despite some agencies moving toward plain language communication, 10-codes like 10-29a remain a widely used and recognized shorthand in many departments across the U.S.

What Is 10-29a Police Code?

The 10-29a police code is a key communication tool used by law enforcement to “Check Wants, Subject (PIN)”—essentially verifying if a person has any active warrants or law enforcement alerts. It is part of the APCO Ten-Code system, which was introduced to streamline and clarify radio communication among officers.

Whether you’re studying criminal justice, preparing for a law enforcement exam, or simply curious about police codes, understanding what the 10-29a police code means can offer valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of police departments.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Police Codes in the USA – Discover the Meaning Behind the 10-29a Police Code and More

Welcome to All Police Codes – your most comprehensive online resource for everything related to police codes and radio signals used by law enforcement across the United States. Whether you’re a curious citizen, an aspiring officer, or a scanner enthusiast, our mission is to help you learn, understand, and explore the vast world of police communication. Today, we’re diving into the specifics of the 10-29a police code, along with many others used in real-time emergency response.

Our team has spent years researching, compiling, and organizing accurate information about police 10 codes, radio signals, and law enforcement lingo. We understand the importance of these codes, not just as tools for communication, but as critical elements in life-saving operations. From local police departments to federal agencies, officers rely on these standardized codes to respond swiftly and efficiently to urgent situations.

What Is the 10-29a Police Code?

The 10-29a police code is just one of the many numeric codes used daily by emergency services. This specific code generally refers to a warrant check on a person, although meanings can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction. By using a police scanner or radio frequency app, you can listen in and begin to understand how these codes function in real scenarios.

Why Police Codes Matter

Police codes were first developed between 1937 and 1940 to streamline radio communication. In 1974, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) further standardized and expanded these codes, making them more applicable to modern emergency response systems. Originally inspired by U.S. Navy Morse code procedures, these brevity codes were designed for quick, clear communication, especially in high-pressure environments.

For example, two of the most widely recognized police codes are:

10-7: Officer is out of service
10-42: Officer’s end of tour (often used during retirement or final call ceremonies)

These codes go beyond functionality—they carry deep emotional significance within the law enforcement community.

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To support the operational costs of running this site (including research, hosting, and maintenance), we include non-intrusive advertisements. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to grow and improve this educational resource.

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Whether you’re looking up the 10-29a code, curious about the 10-4 police code (acknowledgment), or want to learn more about the history and evolution of APCO police codes, we’ve got you covered.

Use our searchable police codes database, explore individual code explanations, and stay up-to-date with the most accurate and detailed police code interpretations online.

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