What Is a 10-47 Police Code? 10-47 Police Code

The 10-47 police code meaning for the police forces is Emergency Road Repair.

The 10-47 police code is a specific code used by law enforcement and emergency services, and it stands for Emergency Road Repair. This police code is used to indicate a situation that requires urgent maintenance or repairs to a road, highway, or transportation infrastructure. When officers or dispatchers refer to a “10-47,” it means there is a roadway hazard or structural issue that needs immediate attention from a road crew or public works department to ensure the safety of motorists and first responders.

So, what is 10-47 police code? In essence, it is a short and efficient way to communicate that emergency road repair services are required. These types of police codes are part of a standardized system of communication designed to streamline responses and reduce confusion in high-pressure situations.

The Importance of Police Code 10-47 in Emergency Services

The 10-47 code plays a vital role in maintaining safety during emergencies. Whether it’s a collapsed section of pavement, severe potholes, debris blocking traffic, or any hazardous road condition, calling out a 10-47 ensures that emergency crews, road repair teams, or utility providers are dispatched quickly to resolve the issue.

Police officers, highway patrol, and dispatch centers rely on 10-code signals like 10-47 to maintain fast and clear communication. In fast-paced situations, using “10-47” instead of spelling out “emergency road repair” prevents misunderstandings and saves precious time — especially during inclement weather, traffic accidents, or natural disasters where road integrity is compromised.

Background of the Police Code System

The 10-47 police code, along with many others, is part of a standardized communication system known as the APCO Ten Signals. These codes were first developed in the late 1930s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The goal was to create a more streamlined, error-free way for officers and dispatchers to share critical information without lengthy explanations.

What Is 10-47 Police Code?

To recap, the 10-47 police code means Emergency Road Repair. It’s a shorthand communication tool used by emergency personnel to report urgent road hazards that pose a risk to public safety. When officers report a 10-47 over the radio, it signals a priority situation that requires quick intervention by road maintenance crews.

Understanding codes like the 10-47 police code helps civilians, scanner enthusiasts, and emergency communications professionals stay informed about the structured way law enforcement manages incidents. Keep this term in mind next time you hear a police scanner or see flashing lights near road work — it could be a 10-47 in action.

Main Police Codes
Alphabet For Police
California Penal Codes
Emergency Response Codes
Police 10 Codes
Police 11 Codes
Police Abbreviations
Police Nicknames
Police Radio Codes
Police Scanner Codes
Texas Penal Codes

Your Ultimate Guide to the 10-47 Police Code and Police Codes Across the USA

Welcome to the leading online resource for learning everything there is to know about police codes, including the 10-47 Police Code. If you’re searching for a reliable and easy-to-navigate guide to understand U.S. police radio codes, signals, and communication practices—especially the meaning of 10-47 in police code—you’ve come to the right place.

Our website is a comprehensive hub where law enforcement enthusiasts, emergency response professionals, researchers, and curious minds can discover accurate, up-to-date details about every official police code used across America. Whether you’re looking up the 10-47 police signal or diving into the full range of APCO 10 codes, our mission is to deliver informative and accessible knowledge to help you learn more.

What Does the 10-47 Police Code Mean?

The 10-47 Police Code stands for Emergency Road Repair. This specific code is part of the broader APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) Ten-Codes system that law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and dispatch centers use to communicate swiftly and clearly, especially during high-pressure situations. When a dispatcher or officer communicates a “10-47,” it signals the need for urgent roadway assistance or repair—often to address hazardous conditions that could endanger motorists or first responders.

Police codes like 10-47 are vital for cutting down miscommunication during calls. Instead of long, easily misunderstood descriptions over the radio, officers use short numeric codes to deliver fast, precise information that saves time and lives.

Decades of History Behind the APCO 10-Codes

The concept of Ten-Codes, including police code 10-47, dates back to the late 1930s. Originally introduced by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) between 1937 and 1940, these codes were developed to streamline voice communication over increasingly crowded radio channels. The system was later revised and expanded in 1974, allowing for nationwide adaptation.

Interestingly, even before the formal 10-code system, APCO proposed Morse code brevity symbols back in June 1935. These early codes, adapted from U.S. Navy radio procedures, laid the foundation for today’s standardized police signal codes—though they were originally designed for Morse code rather than voice transmission.

Why We Created This Police Code Database

Our team has spent years researching police radio signals and compiling one of the most complete databases of police codes in the USA, including niche and less-known ones like 10-47. From helping emergency services streamline responses to empowering citizens with more knowledge about public safety procedures, our goal is to offer clarity and education on all things related to police communications.

This site is maintained out of passion for emergency communications and the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities. All the information is available for free, and to support the platform’s operation costs, we host limited, non-intrusive advertising.

Scan and Listen: Hear the 10-47 Code in Action

Want to hear what the 10-47 police code sounds like in a real emergency dispatch scenario? You can use a police scanner or scanner app to tune into live broadcasts where real-time emergency communication happens. These radio exchanges offer a fascinating look into how police codes, especially emergency road-related codes like 10-47, are used in real-world operations.

Fun Fact: Common Police Code Usage

While 10-47 (Emergency Road Repair) is important, one of the most widely used codes across departments is 10-7 (Out of Service) or 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty)—especially when officers sign off at the end of their shifts.

Stay Informed on All Police Codes, Including 10-47

With so many different 10-codes in use—often varying slightly between jurisdictions—it’s crucial to rely on a resource that keeps everything organized and easy to understand. From 10-1 (Poor reception) to 10-99 (Wanted/stolen indicated), including 10-47, we cover them all.

Bookmark this site, share it with others interested in law enforcement codes, and stay informed with the latest additions and explanations in our expanding Police Code Guide.

Discover more about Police Codes