What Is a 10-71 Police Code? 10-71 Police Code
The 10-71 police code meaning for the police forces is Advise Nature Of Fire / Shooting.
If you’ve ever asked, “What Is 10-71 Police Code? —you’re in the right place. The 10-71 police code is commonly used by law enforcement to signal a request to advise the nature of a fire or shooting. This code prompts the responding officer or dispatch to clarify the specific circumstances or severity of the incident—whether it’s an active fire, shots fired, or both.
Understanding the 10-71 Police Code is crucial for emergency personnel, dispatch operators, and even scanner enthusiasts who want to stay informed about what’s happening in their communities. With just two digits and a dash, the 10-71 code speeds up communication, eliminates confusion, and provides critical clarity when seconds matter.
Origins and Purpose of the 10-71 Police Code
To grasp the full meaning behind the 10-71 Police Code, it helps to know the history of these codes. The 10-codes—also known as APCO Ten Signals—were introduced in the late 1930s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These shorthand signals were created to improve clarity and reduce the time needed for police officers and dispatchers to exchange information over two-way radios.
In fast-moving or high-pressure situations such as fires or active shooter scenarios, clear and quick communication is critical. That’s exactly why codes like 10-71 (advise nature of fire or shooting) and 10-70 (fire alarm or prowler) exist. By stating “10-71,” an officer can instantly alert dispatchers and responders that more details are needed to evaluate and escalate the proper response.
What Does ‘Advise Nature of Fire / Shooting’ Mean?
When a 10-71 code is issued, it typically means that an officer is arriving on the scene of a fire or shooting but needs additional clarification. They might be unsure about what exactly is happening, whether it’s a structure fire, vehicle fire, accidental discharge, or an ongoing active shooter situation. The dispatch is then expected to relay more precise information or seek additional reports from callers or nearby units.
Why Understanding the 10-71 Police Code Matters
So, what is 10-71 police code? In short, it’s a request for clarity about the nature of a fire or shooting incident. It’s one of the many law enforcement ten-codes that play a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate emergency responses.
Whether you’re a civilian listening in with a police scanner, someone studying law enforcement communication, or just curious about the meaning behind police codes, understanding 10-71 Police Code helps you decode what’s really happening during emergency responses.
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Welcome to the Complete Guide on the 10-71 Police Code
At All Police Codes, we aim to be your top destination for everything related to police radio communication. Whether you’re researching law enforcement lingo or are simply curious, our comprehensive guide helps you understand essential signals like the 10-71 Police Code. This specific code stands for “Advise Nature of Fire / Shooting” and is used by officers when reporting incidents involving fire or gunfire. These short numeric codes are part of a structured system developed to streamline radio communication between dispatchers and police units during emergencies.
Why Police Codes Like 10-71 Matter
Police codes are used to ensure quick and error-free communication in high-stakes environments. Rather than stating a long phrase over the radio, officers can use short signals such as 10-71 to quickly inform dispatch of fire-related events or active shooting situations. This brevity prevents miscommunication and saves crucial seconds during critical moments. Listening to these exchanges on a police code scanner offers an insightful look into how departments coordinate and respond in real time.
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Our team has spent years compiling and verifying a vast range of U.S. police codes, including the 10-71 Police Code. Everything you find on this website is free and always will be. We believe in sharing this information out of passion for public safety and appreciation for the emergency personnel who use these codes daily. To keep the site free and sustainable, we display non-intrusive ads to help cover our operational costs.
The History Behind the 10-Codes System
The 10-code system, including 10-71, was originally developed between 1937 and 1940 to create a universal language for law enforcement radio operators. These codes were later standardized and expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). Interestingly, APCO’s earliest versions of these codes were inspired by U.S. Navy Morse code signals and appeared in the 1935 APCO Bulletin. Although those original procedures were designed for Morse code, they laid the groundwork for today’s voice-based communication systems.
Other Commonly Used Police Codes Alongside 10-71
While 10-71 Police Code is critical during fire or shooting reports, there are many other commonly used signals in daily police operations. For example, officers use 10-7 to indicate they’re “Out of Service,” and 10-42 when “Ending Tour of Duty.” Each code serves a specific function and helps maintain clarity and order in fast-paced scenarios. Our guide covers these and more, helping you explore the full list of police ten-codes used across the country.
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