What Is a 10-74 Police Code? 10-74 Police Code

The 10-74 police code meaning for the police forces is Negative / Theft.

If you’ve ever asked yourself what is 10-74 police code, you’re in the right place. The 10-74 police code is commonly used in law enforcement communications and typically stands for “Negative” or “Theft”, depending on the local jurisdiction or agency-specific use. In many cases, “10-74” is shorthand for indicating that something is not correct or has not been completed—essentially, a negative response. In other departments, it’s used to refer to theft-related incidents.

Understanding the 10-74 police code helps shed light on how police officers and emergency responders efficiently communicate in high-pressure situations. These ten-codes were created to shorten lengthy radio transmissions and make communication quicker, more secure, and less prone to errors. Instead of saying “this is a negative” or “we have a theft report,” officers can simply say “10-74” to deliver a clear and universally understood message to dispatch and other units.

Why Do Police Use the 10-74 Code?

The use of 10-74 police code and other ten-codes dates back to the late 1930s when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) introduced the APCO Ten Signals. These codes helped eliminate miscommunications over radio transmissions and created a standardized method of contact across departments.

The 10-74 police code, in particular, plays a key role in routine checks, call responses, and confirmation of information. Whether it’s used to deny information (“negative”) or report a theft incident, this short code prevents confusion and speeds up the information exchange in urgent situations.

What Does Negative / Theft Mean in Police Terms?

When we talk about Negative / Theft in police terminology, it can refer to two common scenarios:

Negative: A negative result or response. For example, an officer may be asked if a suspect matches a description or if a location has been secured, and a “10-74” would indicate the answer is no.
Theft: In some regional systems, “10-74” is used specifically to report or classify a theft case. Officers might use it when calling in a property crime or responding to a burglary.

Knowing the meaning behind what is 10-74 Police Code? is essential for understanding how law enforcement operates behind the scenes.

What Is 10-74 Police Code?

It’s a concise, coded way for law enforcement officers to say either “Negative” or “Theft”, based on the context. This code helps streamline communication, enhance officer safety, and reduce the risk of misinterpretation during critical incidents.

As part of the broader system of police radio codes, 10-74 is just one of many vital tools used every day by emergency responders to stay coordinated, efficient, and responsive. Whether you’re a citizen looking to understand scanner lingo or a future officer brushing up on your ten-codes, knowing the 10-74 police code is a great step in understanding police communication systems.

Main Police Codes
Alphabet For Police
California Penal Codes
Emergency Response Codes
Police 10 Codes
Police 11 Codes
Police Abbreviations
Police Nicknames
Police Radio Codes
Police Scanner Codes
Texas Penal Codes

Discover What Is 10-74 Police Code – Complete Guide to the 10-74 Police Code Meaning

Welcome to All Police Codes – your ultimate destination for understanding every police code used across the United States. If you’ve been wondering what is 10-74 Police Code, you’re in the right place. The 10-74 police code specifically refers to “Negative / Theft”, and it’s one of many short numeric codes used by law enforcement and emergency services to streamline communication.

On this website, we’ve compiled a complete and easy-to-navigate guide to help you explore and learn not only about the 10-74 Police Code, but also dozens of other law enforcement 10-codes used throughout the country. Our database was created to support enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone curious about police terminology and communication systems.

Why Is the 10-74 Police Code Important in Law Enforcement Communication?

The 10-74 code, meaning Negative or Theft, is used in police radio communication to quickly indicate a stolen item or a negative response. Instead of spelling out lengthy messages or risking miscommunication, officers use this shorthand code to convey critical information clearly and efficiently. Whether responding to suspicious activity or checking in with dispatch, codes like 10-74 help maintain rapid, accurate, and standardized communication across departments.

These codes are especially vital in high-stress or emergency situations. A single misheard word can lead to confusion — that’s why officers rely on 10-codes to be brief and specific. The 10-74 Police Code is just one piece of a broader language that ensures safety and order.

Free Resource for All U.S. Police Codes – Including 10-74

Our site is entirely free to use. We believe in supporting the brave emergency response professionals who keep our communities safe. That’s why we’ve made our database of police codes, including the 10-74 police code, available at no cost. While we do feature ads to cover operational expenses, our mission remains focused on public education and awareness.

A Brief History of the Police 10-Codes – Including the 10-74 Signal

Police radio codes originated between 1937 and 1940, when the need for faster and more reliable radio communication became apparent. These were first standardized by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). In fact, APCO first proposed Morse code brevity codes back in June 1935, adapted from the U.S. Navy’s communication methods. Although these early codes were designed for Morse transmissions, they eventually evolved into spoken codes — like the familiar 10-74 — that are still used in modern policing.

By 1974, APCO expanded the original set of ten-codes, and today they remain widely used by dispatchers and officers. Many departments, while updating to plain speech, still incorporate legacy codes for familiarity and operational efficiency.

Tune in to the 10-74 Police Code Using a Police Scanner

Curious to hear how these codes are used in real time? You can listen to the 10-74 Police Code and other signals through a police scanner, which broadcasts law enforcement radio traffic. This is a great way for civilians, hobbyists, and students to understand how these codes are used in daily field operations. Just remember to follow local laws and privacy regulations when using scanners.

Whether you’re researching what is 10-74 Police Code for academic purposes, training, or just personal interest, our website is your go-to hub for accurate, detailed, and engaging content about police communication codes used in the U.S.

Discover more about Police Codes