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

The 10-29m police code meaning for the police forces is Subject Wanted Misdemeanor.

If you’ve ever listened to police radio chatter or watched a crime documentary, you may have heard officers using cryptic codes like “10-29m.” But what does the 10-29m police code actually mean? In law enforcement communications, the 10-29m police code is used to indicate that a subject is wanted for a misdemeanor offense. It’s a quick, standardized way for officers to share critical information without confusion or delay.

Understanding the 10-29m Police Code: Subject Wanted – Misdemeanor

So, what is a 10-29m police code? In plain terms, it alerts officers that a background check has revealed an individual is wanted in connection with a misdemeanor charge. A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal offense compared to a felony, but it’s still a legal matter that can lead to arrest or further investigation.

When an officer radios in a 10-29m, it usually follows a routine ID check during a traffic stop or public encounter. The code helps police communicate quickly while keeping the language discreet to avoid alarming bystanders or escalating the situation.

The History of Police Codes: Where 10-29m Comes From

The 10-29m police code originates from the broader set of APCO Ten-Codes, first developed in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). These codes were designed to make radio communication between officers more efficient, standardized, and secure.

Instead of saying, “This person is wanted for a misdemeanor,” officers can simply say, “10-29m.” This is part of a series of codes under the 10-29 family, which are often related to warrant or subject status checks.

Why Is the 10-29m Police Code Important?

The 10-29m code plays a vital role in day-to-day police work. It ensures that officers can act swiftly and appropriately when they discover someone has an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. These codes prevent miscommunication and reduce the time spent relaying long sentences over the radio—an essential function during high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.

What Is 10-29m Police Code?

The 10-29m police code is a crucial communication shorthand used by law enforcement to indicate that a subject is wanted for a misdemeanor. This allows officers to make informed decisions quickly while maintaining operational security and clarity. As part of the broader APCO 10-code system, 10-29m has helped standardize police radio communication for decades and remains in use across various jurisdictions today.

Whether you’re studying for a criminal justice exam, pursuing a law enforcement career, or just curious about police codes, understanding what a 10-29m police code means can give you deeper insight into how modern police communications operate.

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Your Ultimate Resource for Police Codes and Signals in the United States

Welcome to All Police Codes – your number-one destination for accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information on police codes and radio signals used by law enforcement agencies across the United States. Whether you’re a curious citizen, a student of criminal justice, or an aspiring officer, our website is designed to be your go-to reference for everything related to police communication codes—including the 10-29m police code, one of the most widely used law enforcement codes.

Our dedicated team of researchers and enthusiasts has been studying police radio codes and emergency communication systems for years. We’ve created this extensive guide to help people like you understand how police officers, emergency responders, and dispatchers communicate quickly and efficiently in high-stress situations. Police codes play a crucial role in public safety, allowing officers to relay important information with brevity and clarity during emergency calls.

What is the 10-29m Police Code?

The 10-29m police code is one of the many specialized signals used in real-time law enforcement communication. This code, like many others in the ten-code system, is commonly heard over police scanners and radio systems across the country. Want to listen to it live? You can use a police scanner to tune into real-time radio traffic and learn how officers use this and other codes during their daily operations.

The History of Police Codes

Police codes—also known as ten-codes or ten signals—were initially developed between 1937 and 1940. The system was later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), the leading organization in standardizing public safety communications. The concept of brevity codes was first introduced in APCO’s Bulletin in June 1935, inspired by Morse code symbols used by the U.S. Navy. While initially designed for Morse code, these brevity codes eventually evolved into voice communication tools that are still in use today.

Among the most iconic codes used in police communication are:

10-7: Out of service
10-42: End of tour (often used when an officer retires or passes away)

These codes are a key part of police culture and tradition, used both formally and ceremonially in departments across the country.

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