What Is a 10-73 Police Code? 10-73 Police Code

The 10-73 police code meaning for the police forces is How Do You Copy / Smoke Report.

When it comes to law enforcement communication, clarity and speed are everything. That’s exactly why police departments across the United States rely on a standardized set of shortcodes known as ten-codes. One of these codes, often heard on police scanners or in dispatch recordings, is the 10-73 Police Code. So, what is 10-73 police code? The 10-73 Police Code translates to “How Do You Copy? / Smoke Report” — a crucial inquiry that helps officers confirm whether their transmissions are being received clearly or to report visual confirmation of smoke, possibly indicating a fire.

The use of 10-73 is vital during emergency responses, especially in situations involving potential fire hazards or critical radio communication. When a unit transmits 10-73, they’re either checking if the receiving party is hearing them properly, or they’re alerting dispatch to the presence of smoke that may suggest a fire outbreak. This dual-use nature makes 10-73 both a communication check and a situational alert, helping law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency services stay on the same page when every second matters.

The Role of Police Codes in Effective Communication

To fully understand what the 10-73 police code means, it’s important to know where police codes came from. The APCO Ten Signals, including 10-73, were introduced in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The goal was to standardize law enforcement communication and reduce long-form radio chatter. Since then, these codes have been adopted and adapted by police, fire departments, and EMS units across the United States.

Why It Matters: Understanding the 10-73 Police Code

Knowing what is 10-73 police code isn’t just helpful for law enforcement professionals—it’s also valuable for anyone interested in public safety, emergency preparedness, or using a police scanner to stay informed. Whether you’re a journalist, a scanner hobbyist, or part of a community watch program, understanding codes like 10-73 gives you deeper insight into the language of emergency services.

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Your Trusted Resource for Understanding the 10-73 Police Code and All U.S. Police Codes

Welcome to the ultimate online guide for police radio codes across the United States. If you’re looking to learn more about the 10-73 Police Code, you’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive police codes website was built with one goal in mind: to provide clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand explanations for all APCO 10-codes, including the meaning of the 10-73 police code.

What Is the 10-73 Police Code?

The 10-73 police code stands for “How Do You Copy? / Smoke Report”. This particular code is used in specific emergency radio communications where clarity and urgency are crucial. By using brief numeric codes like 10-73, law enforcement agencies ensure efficient, standardized, and error-free communication between officers, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel.

Why Police Codes Like 10-73 Matter

For decades, 10 codes, including the 10-73, have been an essential tool in law enforcement communications. These codes eliminate the need for lengthy descriptions, reduce radio traffic, and allow emergency responders to relay critical information in seconds. The 10-73 police signal is especially important during high-stress operations such as fires, smog-related incidents, or when verifying transmission clarity.

Learn, Explore, and Decode All U.S. Police Radio Signals

On our site, you’ll not only learn about the 10-73 Police Code, but you’ll also discover the full range of ten-codes used nationwide. From common codes like 10-4 (Acknowledgment) to lesser-known ones like 10-73, our curated content is built for everyone—from curious civilians to amateur radio enthusiasts and first responder supporters.

Our dedicated team has spent years studying and compiling data on police codes and APCO ten signals. This work has made it easier for people across the country to understand police communication codes, improving public awareness and appreciation for the fast-paced world of emergency services.

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The police code information on this website is 100% free to access. We do it because we genuinely love what these codes represent—efficiency, coordination, and the brave professionals who rely on them daily. To support our operational costs, you may see ads on the site, but we’ve made sure they don’t interrupt your experience.

Scan and Listen to the 10-73 Code in Action

Want to hear the 10-73 Police Code live? With a reliable police scanner, you can listen to real-time emergency broadcasts and witness firsthand how codes like 10-73 are used in the field. Scanners offer an incredible glimpse into the day-to-day operations of police departments, fire services, and emergency medical teams.

The History of APCO Ten Codes

Police codes like 10-73 have a rich history. They were first introduced between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The goal was to standardize radio communication and reduce misunderstandings in voice transmissions. In fact, even before these ten-codes were officially adopted, APCO had experimented with Morse Code-based brevity symbols in their June 1935 bulletin—drawing inspiration from U.S. Navy communication procedures.

Today, codes like 10-73, 10-7 (Out of Service), and 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty) are widely recognized and still in use, proving the longevity and practicality of the APCO 10-code system.

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