What Is a 10-63 Police Code? 10-63 Police Code

The 10-63 police code meaning for the police forces is Subject Positive / Prepare To Copy.

If you’ve ever tuned into a police scanner or watched a high-stakes police drama, you may have heard someone say “10-63” over the radio. But what is 10-63 police code? The 10-63 police code is a standard law enforcement radio signal that means “Subject Positive” or “Prepare to Copy.” It’s a short, efficient phrase used during two-way radio communications to indicate that officers have a confirmed subject match or are about to relay important information that must be copied and acknowledged clearly.

What Does “Subject Positive / Prepare to Copy” Mean in Police Terms?

In police language, “Subject Positive” typically means that an individual in question has returned with a positive identification—this could be related to an active warrant, criminal background, or match in a law enforcement database. On the other hand, “Prepare to Copy” is a verbal cue telling the recipient to get ready to write down or acknowledge an incoming message, often one that’s critical or time-sensitive.

So, when officers use the 10-63 code, they’re signaling either a confirmed hit on a subject or preparing a fellow officer for detailed or crucial information. This kind of streamlined communication is essential during time-sensitive operations or emergency situations.

The Purpose of Using 10-Codes Like 10-63 Police Code

The 10-63 police code belongs to a broader system known as the Ten Signals or 10-Codes, first introduced in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These codes were created to improve clarity, reduce radio time, and eliminate misunderstandings in stressful, fast-moving environments where clear, concise speech can mean the difference between life and death.

Instead of saying, “We have a confirmed positive subject. Be ready to write this down,” officers can simply say “10-63,” making the message more efficient and easier to understand across departments and jurisdictions.

Why Knowing the 10-63 Police Code Matters

Understanding what 10-63 police code is can be valuable for anyone interested in law enforcement, public safety communications, police scanner hobbyists, or those involved in criminal justice studies. The use of codes like 10-63 showcases how law enforcement personnel rely on highly structured radio language to handle complex and high-risk situations effectively.

You can even listen to live police radio feeds or use a police code scanner to hear real-time usage of the 10-63 police code and other similar codes in action.

What Is 10-63 Police Code?

The 10-63 code is an essential communication tool in law enforcement radio systems meaning Subject Positive / Prepare to Copy. It’s part of the larger set of APCO 10-codes, designed to improve safety, efficiency, and coordination across emergency response teams. Whether you’re a scanner enthusiast, researcher, or simply curious, knowing what the 10-63 police code stands for gives you deeper insight into how officers operate behind the scenes.

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What Is 10-63 Police Code? Complete Guide to 10-63 Police Code Meaning and Use

Welcome to All Police Codes, your trusted and comprehensive source for everything related to U.S. police radio codes. Whether you’re a curious civilian, a communications enthusiast, or studying criminal justice, our goal is to help you easily understand what different police codes mean—like the 10-63 Police Code, which is a widely recognized code used across law enforcement channels.

The 10-63 Police Code specifically means “Subject Positive / Prepare to Copy.” In real-time field operations, this code is used to indicate that a subject has been positively identified and that the receiving officer or dispatcher should be ready to take down the following details. Codes like 10-63 help streamline communication and reduce misunderstandings in time-sensitive and potentially dangerous situations.

Why Learn About the 10-63 Police Code?

The use of police codes such as 10-63 plays a vital role in public safety operations. They allow officers and dispatchers to communicate concisely and quickly, often under stressful and high-pressure circumstances. Instead of speaking in lengthy descriptions or risking errors through verbal miscommunication, officers use police ten-codes to keep things brief, precise, and secure.

The 10-63 Police Code is one of dozens—if not hundreds—of short codes used by law enforcement agencies nationwide. These codes are commonly heard on police scanners, two-way radios, and during emergency response procedures. If you’re using a police scanner or studying law enforcement communication, you’re likely to come across 10-63 frequently, especially in cases involving subject verification and transmission of sensitive information.

About Our Police Code Resource Website

At All Police Codes, we’ve meticulously built this educational resource to help users like you understand not just the 10-63 Police Code, but the full range of law enforcement ten-codes used in the United States. Our team has spent years researching and compiling this information, following trends and usage across various states, police departments, and emergency response units.

The entire database on our site is offered completely free of charge. We’re passionate about the work of emergency services and believe that education is a tool that empowers citizens and professionals alike. To cover operational expenses and keep this resource updated and accessible, our site features advertising.

History and Origin of Police Codes Like 10-63

The concept of police ten-codes began back in 1937, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) introduced them as part of a standardized system for more effective radio communication. By 1974, these codes were revised and expanded to keep pace with the increasing demands placed on emergency communication systems.

Interestingly, the roots of radio shorthand communication date even further back. In June 1935, APCO first suggested a set of Morse code brevity codes, inspired by the communication protocols of the U.S. Navy. Though those early systems were designed for Morse code and not voice, they laid the groundwork for what would evolve into today’s standardized ten-codes—including 10-63.

Additional Insights: Commonly Used Police Codes

While 10-63 is important, it is only one part of the larger ten-code system. For example:

10-7 means “Out of Service” – often used when an officer retires from duty.
10-42 means “Ending Tour of Duty” – typically signifying the conclusion of an officer’s shift.

These codes, along with 10-63, are just a few examples of the specialized language that enables law enforcement agencies to operate efficiently and effectively across different jurisdictions and situations.

Listen to 10-63 Police Code in Action

Want to hear the 10-63 Police Code in use? You can tune in with a police radio scanner or online scanner app to listen to real-time police dispatch communications. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with how these codes are used in live fieldwork and how essential they are in rapid, tactical decision-making.

Whether you’re here to learn about 10-63 Police Code, explore historical background, or dive deep into the full list of ten-codes, you’re in the right place. Bookmark our site for updates, and continue exploring the world of police communication codes with confidence.

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