What Is a 10-81 Police Code? 10-81 Police Code

The 10-81 police code meaning for the police forces is Traffic Stop Initiated / Breathalyzer Request.

If you’ve ever tuned into a police scanner or watched a live police pursuit, you may have heard the phrase 10-81 Police Code and wondered what it means. So, what is 10-81 police code exactly? The 10-81 police code is commonly used by law enforcement officers to indicate a Traffic Stop Initiated or a Breathalyzer Request during a stop. This specific code allows officers to communicate quickly and efficiently with dispatch and other units while minimizing misunderstandings.

10-81 Police Code is part of the broader “ten-codes” system that was originally developed to shorten and standardize radio communication across police departments. When an officer radios in a “10-81,” it generally means they’ve pulled over a vehicle and may be requesting additional support or a breathalyzer test to assess a driver suspected of being under the influence.

Why Is the 10-81 Police Code Important?

Understanding what 10-81 police code is helps shed light on how critical fast and accurate communication is during traffic enforcement. Rather than explaining the full situation on the radio—which can waste valuable time or lead to miscommunication—officers use short numeric codes like 10-81 to get the point across clearly.

Using the 10-81 police code helps streamline operations, reduce radio traffic, and ensure every word counts, especially during high-risk or time-sensitive traffic stops. It’s especially vital in scenarios involving potential DUI offenses where a breathalyzer test is needed on the spot.

What Is Traffic Stop Initiated / Breathalyzer Request? Police Code for Traffic Stop Initiated / Breathalyzer Request

The law enforcement shorthand 10-81 directly translates to Traffic Stop Initiated or Breathalyzer Request, depending on context and regional usage. This police radio code not only keeps officers and dispatch aligned, but also alerts other units that a stop may involve impaired driving or a situation that requires backup.

Whether you’re a civilian enthusiast, aspiring officer, or researcher, understanding the 10-81 police code and others like it offers insight into the everyday communication tools that keep emergency services running smoothly.

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What Is 10-81 Police Code?

Welcome to All Police Codes — your trusted and complete resource for learning everything about U.S. police communication signals. If you’ve ever asked “What is a 10-81 police code?” you’re in the right place. On this page, we’ll explain the meaning behind the 10-81 police code, its usage, and how it fits into the broader police radio communication system used by law enforcement agencies across the United States.

The 10-81 police code is a specialized numeric shorthand used by police officers and dispatchers. It specifically means “Traffic Stop Initiated / Breathalyzer Request.” This code is commonly used during patrol operations when a traffic stop leads to suspicion of impaired driving, and the officer requests a breathalyzer test to assess the driver’s sobriety.

Why Do Police Use Codes Like 10-81?

Police codes like 10-81 were developed to enhance communication speed and accuracy among officers, dispatchers, and emergency responders. Rather than describing a situation in full every time — which can be time-consuming and prone to errors — police departments adopted standardized codes to streamline interactions over the radio.

Using codes like 10-81, officers can quickly alert dispatch about a DUI-related traffic stop without having to explain details over a busy or chaotic communication line. It reduces misunderstandings, eliminates ambiguity, and ensures faster response when backup or specialized equipment is needed.

History and Development of Police Radio Codes in the U.S.

The origin of police codes dates back to the late 1930s. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) first introduced the APCO Ten Signals between 1937 and 1940. These “10-codes” were meant to create a universal communication system for law enforcement. The system was later expanded and improved in 1974 to include more nuanced signals like 10-81 for specific on-duty scenarios.

Before that, in June 1935, APCO proposed the idea of brevity codes adapted from U.S. Navy procedure signals. Initially designed for Morse code communication, these evolved over time to suit voice transmissions used by modern police radio.

Understanding the Importance of the 10-81 Code and Other Common Police Codes

The 10-81 police code is just one example among dozens of 10-codes used daily in police communication. Others include:

10-4 (Acknowledgment)
10-7 (Out of Service)
10-42 (End of Tour of Duty)

For example, at the end of a shift, a police officer might report using a sequence of codes like 10-7 followed by 10-42, signaling they’re officially off duty. These codes are clear, concise, and essential for organized communication.

Want to hear codes like 10-81 in real time? You can use a police scanner to listen in on local police transmissions, where these codes are actively used in ongoing operations.

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At AllPoliceCodes.com, we’ve assembled the most comprehensive online guide to help you learn about 10-81 police code meanings and other important police radio signals used across the United States. Our passion for law enforcement communication has led us to research and share these codes for free — helping citizens, hobbyists, and professionals alike understand the language of public safety.

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Stay Informed: Learn More About the 10-81 Police Code and Beyond

If you’re curious about how law enforcement stays connected through quick and efficient radio codes, dive deeper into our guides. Learn more about how the 10-81 code fits into DUI enforcement procedures, and how similar police signals keep first responders coordinated in every type of emergency.

Bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates, new code definitions, and detailed breakdowns of police communication tools — starting with the widely used 10-81 police code.

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