What Is a 10-43 Police Code? 10-43 Police Code

The 10-43 police code meaning for the police forces is Information.

The 10-43 police code is a commonly used communication signal in law enforcement, and it stands for “Information.” When officers on duty say “10-43,” they’re requesting or relaying crucial information over the radio. It’s a simple but powerful way to streamline communication and reduce confusion during police operations. Whether officers are responding to a scene, coordinating with dispatch, or needing real-time updates, the 10-43 code helps them quickly clarify that information is either needed or being provided.

So, what is 10-43 police code? In short, it’s all about information transmission. This type of code plays a key role in helping law enforcement professionals stay informed, maintain situational awareness, and respond with greater accuracy and efficiency. With lives often on the line, clear communication is critical—and that’s where police codes like 10-43 make a big difference.

The Origin and Purpose of 10 Codes in Policing

Police codes—also referred to as 10-codes or ten signals—were originally introduced between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The purpose? To allow faster, more uniform communication across departments and reduce misunderstandings, especially over crackly radio transmissions.

The 10-43 police code, like others in the 10-code system, keeps messages short and standardized. Instead of saying “I have information” or “I need details,” officers just say “10-43,” saving precious time and ensuring clarity even in high-stress scenarios.

While not every agency uses the exact same codes today (some have adopted plain language protocols), 10-43 remains widely understood in many law enforcement settings across the United States.

What Is ‘Information’ in Law Enforcement Terms?

When we talk about “Information” in the context of Police Code 10-43, it can refer to a wide variety of details—anything from descriptions of suspects, updates on current incidents, to key data needed for an investigation. For example, an officer might request a 10-43 to get more info about a vehicle involved in a recent hit-and-run, or they might use it to share an alert from dispatch to other units in the area.

This quick exchange helps officers stay ahead of potential dangers and ensures that all team members are operating with the most accurate intelligence available.

What Is 10-43 Police Code?

It’s a quick and effective way to say “Information” during police communications. The 10-43 code plays an essential part in day-to-day police work by supporting faster, smarter, and safer coordination across the force. It’s one of many codes used to maintain order, save time, and keep everyone on the same page.

If you’re curious about more police codes and their meanings, you’re in the right place. Our complete guide to police 10-codes covers everything from 10-1 (Signal Weak) to 10-100 (Dead Body Found)—because when seconds count, codes matter.

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All Police Codes—Your Ultimate Source for Understanding the 10-43 Police Code and Every Police Code Used in the USA

Welcome to All Police Codes, the most trusted and comprehensive online resource dedicated to helping you understand the meaning, history, and usage of various police codes used across the United States. If you’re looking to learn what is 10-43 police code, or if you’re trying to explore the entire set of law enforcement communication signals, you’ve come to the right place.

On this website, we break down every standard police code in the U.S., including the 10-43 police code, which is commonly used to indicate “Information”. Whether you’re a law enforcement enthusiast, a student studying criminal justice, a scanner hobbyist, or just someone curious about emergency communications, our in-depth guides help you understand how police radio codes streamline operations, enhance clarity, and save precious time during real-time incidents.

What Is 10-43 Police Code? Understanding the Meaning of Police Code 10-43

The 10-43 police code stands for “Information”. It is one of many 10-codes or ten signals used by police departments and emergency services to quickly relay specific types of messages via radio. When an officer uses the 10-43 code, they are typically requesting or relaying important information relevant to an ongoing situation, call, or dispatch update. Instead of spelling out long sentences over the radio, the code 10-43 keeps communication efficient, clear, and standardized.

You might hear this code in real-time action if you’re listening to a police code scanner, especially during moments where critical data needs to be exchanged—whether it’s about a suspect’s background, vehicle information, or event details.

How Police Codes Like 10-43 Improve Emergency Response Communication

Police radio codes such as 10-43 have been instrumental in improving the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of communication among officers and emergency personnel. Instead of long-winded explanations, officers use short numeric codes that cut down radio clutter and prevent misinterpretation.

The concept of police 10-codes originated in the late 1930s. Between 1937 and 1940, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) introduced the APCO Ten Signals to promote more concise and standardized radio communication. These codes were later updated and refined in 1974 for better interoperability across agencies and regions.

In fact, the 10-43 code is just one part of a broader system that includes codes like 10-4 (Acknowledgement), 10-7 (Out of Service), 10-8 (In Service), 10-42 (Ending Duty), and many more. Officers rely on this numeric shorthand to ensure rapid response and coordination—especially during emergencies when every second counts.

Why We Created This Police Code Resource

At All Police Codes, we’ve been deeply invested in researching police signals and communication procedures for many years. Our mission is to build the most informative and accessible Police Code guide available online, so anyone can quickly find accurate, up-to-date information.

We provide all content completely free of charge because we genuinely respect and appreciate the brave men and women of law enforcement and emergency services. To support the operational costs of running this website, you may notice advertising banners or sponsored links. These help us keep this resource live, accurate, and growing.

Stay Informed—Explore the Meaning Behind Every Police Code Including 10-43

If you’re fascinated by law enforcement radio lingo, the 10-43 police code is just the beginning. There are dozens of other police codes used every day in various jurisdictions. You can explore more by browsing through our categorized database or using a police code scanner to listen in on live emergency communications.

Did you know that before ten-codes, police departments used Morse code-like brevity signals? In fact, as far back as 1935, APCO began adapting U.S. Navy communication procedures for early radio transmissions. This historical foundation laid the groundwork for the 10-code system we rely on today.

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