What Is a 10-89 Police Code? 10-89 Police Code

The 10-89 police code meaning for the police forces is Bomb Threat.

The 10-89 police code is used by law enforcement agencies across the United States to signify a bomb threat. When officers or dispatchers refer to a “10-89,” they are communicating that there is a potential explosive device or threat that needs immediate attention and action. This shorthand allows police forces to respond with speed and precision during extremely critical and time-sensitive situations.

Police Code 10-89: Bomb Threat Emergency

Understanding what 10-89 police code means is essential for anyone interested in police communication or emergency response protocols. Bomb threats are among the most serious incidents that police may encounter, requiring evacuation procedures, bomb squad involvement, and heightened alertness. Using a short and standardized code like 10-89 ensures that the information is transmitted quickly and without confusion over the radio.

The 10-code system, including 10-89, was originally developed in the late 1930s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to streamline and secure police communication. Since then, codes like 10-89 have become integral to daily operations in police departments, helping emergency responders coordinate effectively and minimize risks to the public.

Why Police Use 10-89 for Bomb Threats

Police codes like 10-89 (Bomb Threat) are designed to reduce the chances of miscommunication, especially in chaotic environments. Instead of describing the situation in full every time—which can lead to errors or delays—officers use numeric shorthand that’s universally recognized among departments. When dispatchers or units hear “10-89,” they immediately know to treat the situation with urgency, potentially involving bomb squads, K-9 units, and specialized response teams.

What Is Bomb Threat in Police Code?

The official police radio code for a bomb threat is 10-89. This is a part of the ten-codes or ten-signals system still used in many police jurisdictions, especially for swift and encrypted communication.

Whether you’re listening to police scanners, studying law enforcement communication, or working in public safety, it’s helpful to know that 10-89 means a bomb threat is being reported, assessed, or actively managed by law enforcement professionals.

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What Is 10-89 Police Code? Everything You Need to Know About the 10-89 Police Code in the U.S.

Welcome to All Police Codes, your trusted resource for exploring every police code used across the United States—including the important and potentially life-saving 10-89 Police Code. If you’re asking, what is 10-89 Police Code, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created a detailed and comprehensive lookup guide to help you understand not only the meaning of the 10-89 Police Code but also the full background of how police codes work in real-life emergency communication.

The 10-89 Police Code is officially recognized as “Bomb Threat.” When this code is transmitted over the police radio, it signals a potentially explosive situation that requires immediate attention, coordinated response, and heightened security measures. Officers rely on the 10-89 code to alert dispatch and fellow law enforcement of a bomb threat, allowing them to act fast and efficiently without wasting time on lengthy descriptions.

Why the 10-89 Police Code Matters

Police codes like 10-89 serve as shorthand to streamline communication. In critical scenarios, seconds matter. By stating “10-89” instead of saying “We have a bomb threat,” officers avoid confusion, miscommunication, and delays. The 10-code system ensures clarity across different departments and dispatch centers, improving coordination between units in high-risk situations.

Our team has spent years researching, verifying, and compiling the most accurate police code information available. The 10-89 code is just one part of a massive language that emergency personnel use every day—designed to save lives and protect the public.

A Free Guide to All U.S. Police Codes, Including 10-89

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The Origins of the 10-Code System: Where 10-89 Comes From

The history of police codes dates back to 1937–1940, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) developed what we now know as the APCO Ten Signals—a system that includes 10-89. This numeric code system was created to speed up and standardize voice communication between officers, replacing Morse code and making it more practical for voice radios.

Interestingly, the first version of these codes appeared even earlier, in a 1935 issue of the APCO Bulletin, where they were influenced by the Morse code signals used by the U.S. Navy. Over time, these codes evolved into the modern system still in use by many law enforcement agencies today.

Real-World Example: When 10-89 Is Used in Police Communication

Imagine a situation where someone calls in a suspicious package at a government building. Instead of giving a long explanation over the radio, an officer can immediately issue a “10-89” over the dispatch channel. This instantly alerts the bomb squad and necessary units to respond with urgency.

Alongside codes like 10-7 (Out of Service) and 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty), 10-89 plays a vital role in day-to-day police work—especially during potentially deadly emergencies.

Learn More About Police Codes Like 10-89

You can hear live examples of the 10-89 Police Code being used by tuning into police scanner frequencies or using an online scanner app. There are dozens of police codes used daily in active fieldwork, and we’ve compiled them all here for you to explore and understand.

From 10-1 (Unable to copy) to 10-99 (Wanted/stolen record), and of course, the high-alert 10-89 Bomb Threat Code, All Police Codes is your go-to destination for reliable, easy-to-understand information.

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