What Is a 10-31 Police Code? 10-31 Police Code

The 10-31 police code meaning for the police forces is Crime In Progress or In Pursuit.

If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner or watched law enforcement shows, you’ve likely come across a variety of numeric codes used to communicate situations quickly and clearly. One of those codes is the 10-31 police code, but what is 10-31 police code exactly?

10-31 Police Code Meaning: Crime in Progress or In Pursuit

The 10-31 police code is used by law enforcement officers to indicate a Crime in Progress or an Active Pursuit. This code is part of the ten-code system, a set of brevity codes historically used in radio communications by police departments across the United States. When a dispatcher or officer uses “10-31,” it alerts all relevant personnel that a criminal act is currently underway or that a suspect is being actively chased.

Why Do Police Use Codes Like 10-31?

Using police codes such as 10-31 helps streamline radio communication and reduces the chances of miscommunication. Instead of saying “we have a crime happening right now” or “we are pursuing a suspect,” officers can simply say “10-31,” which conveys the message instantly and with clarity.

These codes are especially important during emergencies where every second counts. Clear and concise communication allows officers to respond more quickly and effectively, ensuring public safety and officer coordination. The 10-31 code is a crucial part of this system, often used during high-intensity scenarios like robberies, assaults, burglaries, or when suspects are fleeing the scene.

What Situations Involve a 10-31 Police Code?

When the 10-31 police code is issued, it typically means:

A robbery or theft is currently in progress
A violent altercation is taking place
A suspect is attempting to evade law enforcement
Officers are in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle or individual
An active crime scene is unfolding and backup may be needed

Because of the urgency implied by the 10-31 code, it often prompts a heightened response, with additional units dispatched to the scene to provide support.

The Importance of Understanding Police Codes

Knowing what codes like 10-31 mean can help civilians, journalists, security personnel, and scanner enthusiasts better understand police activity in their area. While some departments have moved away from traditional ten-codes in favor of plain language, many still use them—especially during high-stakes or high-speed events.

What Is 10-31 Police Code?

The 10-31 police code stands for Crime in Progress or In Pursuit. It’s used to quickly alert officers that a criminal event is currently happening or that a suspect is on the run. Understanding what 10-31 police code means can give you a better grasp of how law enforcement communicates in the field and the urgency of certain situations.

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Welcome to the Ultimate Police Codes Lookup Resource – Explore the Meaning of the 10-31 Police Code and More

At All Police Codes, we proudly welcome you to the most comprehensive online resource for understanding police codes in the United States. Whether you’re a police enthusiast, a student, a journalist, or simply curious about police radio codes like 10-31, you’ve landed in the right place. Our goal is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand explanations of all commonly used law enforcement radio codes, signals, and meanings used by emergency responders across the country.

Discover the Meaning Behind Police Code 10-31 and Hundreds More

Have you recently come across the 10-31 police code and want to know what it means? You’re not alone. Thousands of people search daily to decode what officers are saying on police scanners or emergency broadcasts. Our detailed lookup pages break down codes like 10-31, explain their real-world applications, and provide historical context so you can understand how they fit into police communications.

But we don’t stop at just one code. On our website, you’ll find explanations for all 10-codes, 11-codes, and other signal codes used across various states and departments in the U.S. Law enforcement agencies may vary slightly in their usage, but we provide the most widely accepted definitions and use cases for each.

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Why Police Codes Matter

Police codes play a crucial role in maintaining quick, clear, and concise communication between dispatchers and officers in the field. The use of radio codes like 10-31, which may refer to a crime in progress or other specific events depending on the jurisdiction, ensures efficient coordination during critical moments. These codes reduce radio traffic, ensure discretion, and speed up response times in emergencies.

Among the most commonly used codes are:

10-7 – Officer Out of Service
10-42 – Officer Ending Tour of Duty

These codes are not just communication tools – they often carry deep meaning and tradition within law enforcement communities.

A Brief History of Police Radio Codes

Police codes date back to the late 1930s. The first known set of brevity codes was introduced between 1937 and 1940. Later, in 1974, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) expanded and standardized many of these codes, helping unify emergency communication nationwide.

Interestingly, APCO first introduced Morse code brevity codes in the June 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin. These early codes were adapted from U.S. Navy procedures, initially designed for Morse code transmission rather than voice communication. Over time, these evolved into the voice-based radio codes widely recognized and used by police forces today.

Use a Police Scanner to Listen to Real-Time 10-Codes

Want to hear real-time police radio traffic and learn how codes like 10-31 are used in action? Consider using a police scanner app or a radio frequency scanner to tune into local emergency communications. You’ll get firsthand insight into how these codes function during live events.

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