What Is a 10-57 Police Code? 10-57 Police Code

The 10-57 police code meaning for the police forces is Hit And Run Accident / Missing Person.

The 10-57 police code is commonly used by law enforcement agencies across the United States to signify two critical types of incidents: a Hit and Run Accident or a Missing Person report. This code allows officers to communicate the nature of an emergency quickly and precisely without lengthy verbal descriptions, ensuring rapid and accurate response from dispatch and field units.

The 10-57 Police Code plays a vital role in emergency communication. In cases involving hit-and-run accidents, officers are alerted to respond quickly to investigate the scene, search for the suspect, and secure evidence before it disappears. When referring to a missing person, the same code signals urgency to initiate search operations, issue alerts, and coordinate efforts across departments. The use of the 10-57 code streamlines police communication and reduces the risk of miscommunication, which is especially critical in time-sensitive situations.

Origins and Usage of the 10-57 Police Code

The 10-57 police code is part of a broader set of ten-codes originally developed between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These APCO Ten Signals were designed to make police radio communication faster, more standardized, and less prone to human error. They became a staple of public safety systems and continue to be used in various forms today. Each police code number conveys a specific meaning, which helps reduce confusion and ensure a professional, calm, and consistent radio dialogue between officers and dispatchers.

Why Understanding the 10-57 Police Code Matters

Knowing what 10-57 police code means can be incredibly helpful for individuals using police scanners, emergency preparedness enthusiasts, journalism professionals, or anyone wanting to better understand law enforcement lingo. Whether the situation involves a hit-and-run crash or a missing person investigation, the 10-57 code signals a situation that demands immediate attention.

To monitor real-time emergency radio traffic, you can use a police code scanner or access online scanner feeds, where the 10-57 police code may be heard during active incidents. Staying informed about police codes like 10-57 helps the public stay more aware of ongoing events in their community.

What Is 10-57 Police Code?
The 10-57 police code stands for Hit and Run Accident or Missing Person, two critical emergencies that require swift and effective response. Originating from the APCO Ten-Code system, this code is a fundamental tool in modern emergency communications. By understanding what the 10-57 code means, you gain better insight into how law enforcement operates and responds to potentially life-threatening events.

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What Is 10-57 Police Code? Your Complete Guide to the 10-57 Police Code Meaning and Usage

Welcome to All Police Codes—your dedicated and detailed source for learning about all active law enforcement communication codes used across the United States. If you’re looking to understand the 10-57 Police Code, you’ve landed in the right place. Our comprehensive guide is designed for anyone curious about law enforcement radio lingo, whether you’re a student, hobbyist, first responder, or citizen passionate about public safety operations.

The 10-57 Police Code typically signifies either a Hit and Run Incident or, in some jurisdictions, a Missing Person Report. While code meanings may vary slightly from one state or agency to another, the 10-57 code is widely recognized across many emergency response departments. It’s a quick, standardized signal used by officers and dispatchers to communicate urgent situations without the need for long, detailed verbal exchanges.

The Purpose of Police Codes Like 10-57

Law enforcement agencies rely on a specialized language known as “Ten Codes” or “10-Codes” to streamline communication, ensure clarity, and increase response times. The 10-57 police code is just one of dozens in active use, forming a standardized shorthand system that’s crucial during fast-paced, high-pressure emergency scenarios.

Using short, numeric codes like 10-57 improves both verbal clarity and radio efficiency, reducing the risk of miscommunication during crucial incidents. Whether it’s an officer reporting a hit-and-run scene or flagging a missing person alert, this code allows dispatch centers to act immediately and mobilize the appropriate response team.

Decades of Police Code Research and Commitment

Our team has spent years researching, documenting, and refining the most accurate information about all police radio codes, including the 10-57 police code and related variations. This website exists as a free public resource, built from our deep respect for the dedicated men and women of emergency services who protect and serve communities nationwide.

We’ve collected information from historical sources, active dispatch documentation, police training manuals, and first-hand insights from communication officers. All the information is verified to reflect actual usage across U.S. law enforcement agencies.

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Every detail you read on our website, including the full guide to the 10-57 Police Code, is made available to you free of charge. Our goal is simple: to spread awareness, provide clarity, and support a better understanding of how public safety communication systems work. The site is ad-supported to cover operational costs—ensuring we can continue maintaining and updating the database without paywalls.

If you’re a radio enthusiast, journalist, student, or just someone curious about what you hear on a police code scanner, understanding the 10-57 code gives you real-time insight into incidents happening around you.

History of Ten Codes: How 10-57 and Others Came to Be

Police radio codes, including the 10-57 Police Code, were first introduced in 1937 as part of the APCO Ten Signals developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). This system was initially designed to enhance voice radio efficiency between officers and dispatch centers, reducing time on air and avoiding confusion.

The original brevity codes trace back even further. In the June 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin, Morse Code-based brevity codes were published, adapted from U.S. Navy procedures. These early systems set the stage for today’s voice-based Ten Codes.

The ten-code system expanded in 1974 and remains widely used today—especially in North America. Though some agencies have begun shifting toward plain language for inter-agency clarity, codes like 10-57 are still deeply ingrained in local law enforcement operations.

Common Companion Codes: 10-7, 10-42, and More

While researching the 10-57 Police Code, it’s also useful to understand some of the most frequently used codes in police communications. For example:

10-7: Out of Service
10-42: End of Tour of Duty These codes are often used together, particularly when an officer finishes their shift or logs out from active duty.

Understanding codes like 10-57, 10-7, or 10-42 is essential if you’re listening to scanners, involved in public safety reporting, or just want to deepen your knowledge of law enforcement communication protocols.

Whether you’re interested in the 10-57 police code for hit and run, or exploring it in the context of missing person investigations, this guide is here to support your learning. Bookmark our site and explore more police codes—we’ve cataloged them all for you, from 10-1 to 10-100, across multiple states and police departments.

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