What Is a 10-68 Police Code? 10-68 Police Code

The 10-68 police code meaning for the police forces is Dispatch Message.

If you’ve ever tuned into police scanner radio or read about emergency response protocols, you might find yourself asking: What Is 10-68 Police Code? The 10-68 police code is a specific communication signal used by law enforcement agencies and emergency services across the United States. In police lingo, 10-68 means “Dispatch Message.” This code is issued when dispatch has an important message or instruction to deliver to field officers, often related to the status of a call, new assignment, or updated information relevant to ongoing operations.

Understanding what the 10-68 Police Code stands for can help civilians and scanner enthusiasts better interpret real-time communications coming from local police departments. In fast-paced situations, law enforcement relies on these numeric codes to streamline communication, reduce verbal clutter, and ensure clarity across radio channels. Rather than saying, “We have a message from dispatch,” officers simply use “10-68” for quick, precise communication.

History and Purpose of 10-68 Police Code

Police codes like 10-68 Police Code were developed in the late 1930s under the APCO Ten Signals system, which was introduced by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The goal was to standardize communication in law enforcement radio systems and eliminate misunderstandings during high-stress scenarios. The ten-code system, which includes codes like 10-67 (Clear for Next Message) and 10-4 (Acknowledgement), quickly became foundational in police departments nationwide.

The 10-68 code, meaning Dispatch Message, plays a vital role in this structure by signaling that dispatch has critical information to share. Whether it’s relaying updates on a suspect’s location, providing descriptions, or changing priorities on a case, the 10-68 code ensures officers are instantly alerted and ready to receive new data without confusion or delay.

What Is Dispatch Message? Police Code for Dispatch Message

The phrase “Dispatch Message” refers to any communication originating from a central dispatch center to officers in the field. This could include updates, warnings, instructions, or new call assignments. In police radio language, the shorthand for this process is the 10-68 Police Code. Whenever you hear “10-68” on a scanner, you’ll know that it means a dispatch message is incoming or in progress.

Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a scanner enthusiast, or just someone curious about police radio codes, understanding the meaning behind 10-68 Police Code? 10-68 Police Code can offer valuable insight into how public safety communication works in real time.

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What Is 10-68 Police Code?

The 10-68 Police Code is used in law enforcement to indicate a “Dispatch Message.” This means that an officer is receiving important information or instructions from dispatch. Instead of speaking in full sentences, police use short, standardized ten-codes like 10-68 to save time and reduce misunderstandings during fast-paced operations.

Whether it’s an update on a situation, a new assignment, or location details, a 10-68 code quickly signals that something important is coming through the radio.

Why Ten-Codes Like 10-68 Matter in Policing

The 10-code system is essential for clear and quick communication in law enforcement. Using a code like 10-68 allows officers and dispatchers to exchange vital information without lengthy explanations or repeated phrases. It’s especially helpful during emergencies or high-stress incidents where clarity and speed are critical.

The 10-68 Police Code, meaning Dispatch Message, plays a key role in keeping field officers informed and connected in real time.

A Brief History of the 10-68 Police Code

Ten-codes, including 10-68, were introduced between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to create a unified communication system for police departments and emergency responders. These codes were designed to reduce radio traffic and improve clarity.

Interestingly, the concept of coded communication in public safety started even earlier. In 1935, APCO first suggested a set of Morse code brevity symbols inspired by the U.S. Navy, which later evolved into the ten-codes we recognize today.

How 10-68 Is Used Today in Police Communication

Modern police forces across the country still use the 10-68 Police Code when dispatchers need to send out new assignments, messages, or updates. It’s part of the daily workflow for officers and dispatch centers alike.

If you’re listening to a police scanner, you might hear a dispatcher call out “10-68,” alerting officers that an important message is coming their way. These codes keep conversations short, focused, and efficient on busy radio channels.

Learn More About Police Codes Like 10-68

If you’re interested in understanding how law enforcement communicates, this site is your go-to resource for learning about ten-codes like 10-68 and many others. We’ve created this free guide to help anyone — from curious citizens to future officers — learn about the language used over police radios.

The 10-68 Police Code, which means Dispatch Message, is just one of dozens of codes still in use today to make emergency communication faster and more reliable. Explore more codes, learn their meanings, and hear them live using a police scanner — right here on our site.

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