What Is a 11-10 Police Code? 11-10 Police Code

The 11-10 police code meaning for the police forces is Take A Report.

If you’ve ever tuned into a police scanner or watched a crime drama, you might have heard officers using numbered codes to communicate. One of those codes is the 11-10 police code, a shorthand that holds a specific and important meaning in law enforcement communication. So, what is 11-10 police code? Simply put, the 11-10 police code stands for “Take A Report.”

Law enforcement officers use this code when they are assigned to take an official report regarding an incident, complaint, or situation. This might involve documenting a crime scene, interviewing witnesses, or recording details for an ongoing investigation. The code helps dispatchers and officers exchange information quickly without the need for lengthy explanations.

Why Do Police Use the 11-10 Code?

The primary reason for using codes like 11-10 is to streamline and simplify radio communication. In high-pressure situations, clarity and speed are essential. Instead of saying “I need to take a written report for this incident,” an officer can say “11-10” and the message is understood instantly by everyone on the channel.

Using codes also helps reduce radio traffic, avoid miscommunication, and maintain a level of discretion over public airwaves. The 11-10 police code is just one example of many numerical signals used every day in law enforcement departments across the country to maintain order and efficiency.

What Is “Take A Report” in Police Terms? Code 11-10 Explained

In police work, the phrase “Take A Report” refers to the process of gathering detailed, factual information about a specific incident. This might include taking witness statements, recording observations, collecting evidence, and filing an official document for department records or legal purposes.

The 11-10 code serves as a universal alert that an officer is about to engage in this documentation process. Whether it’s a minor traffic accident, a theft, or a suspicious activity report, using 11-10 communicates that the responding officer is switching gears from active engagement to information gathering and reporting.

Learn More About Police Radio Codes Like 11-10

Understanding police radio codes such as the 11-10 police code gives insight into the structured and strategic ways officers work behind the scenes. Originally introduced to ensure efficient communication, these codes are now a standard part of police protocol nationwide.

To learn more about police codes, their meanings, and how they’re used in real-time law enforcement situations, browse our complete database of codes. Whether you’re a scanner enthusiast, aspiring officer, or just curious, diving into these codes—starting with what is 11-10 Police Code? —can help you better understand how our emergency response system operates.

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Learn Everything About the 11-10 Police Code – Your Ultimate Police Codes Resource

Welcome to All Police Codes—your trusted online destination for discovering the full meaning, usage, and history of U.S. police radio codes, including the 11-10 Police Code. Whether you’re a citizen curious about law enforcement lingo, a journalist researching emergency signals, or simply someone interested in the inner workings of police communication systems, you’ve landed in the right place. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand police code reference that helps decode what officers are really saying over the scanner.

The 11-10 police code stands for “Take A Report”, and it plays an essential role in police communication by conveying a specific instruction quickly and efficiently. Instead of saying a full sentence like “We need to take a report,” dispatchers and officers can use “11-10” to streamline the message, reduce radio traffic, and eliminate the chance of misinterpretation. It’s one of many codes used daily by law enforcement professionals across the United States to keep communication fast, clear, and precise.

The Importance of the 11-10 Code and Other Police Radio Signals

Our team at All Police Codes has spent years studying and compiling accurate, verified data on U.S. police radio codes. From 10-codes to 11-series codes, each signal serves a purpose in fast-paced emergency environments. The 11-10 code is just one of dozens used by police departments to convey standardized messages during law enforcement operations. Knowing what these codes mean can help the public better understand scanner chatter and gain insight into real-time police activity.

These codes are essential for ensuring that officers and dispatchers across jurisdictions can communicate clearly—especially in high-pressure situations. For example, instead of saying “We’re at the scene and need to take a report from the victim,” they can simply say, “11-10.”

Want to hear the 11-10 Police Code in action? You can do that with a police code scanner or radio monitoring app, allowing you to follow local broadcasts and improve your understanding of police terminology.

Free Access to 11-10 and All U.S. Police Codes

All information provided on this website is 100% free to access. We created this platform out of passion for the intricate system of police codes and a deep respect for the emergency responders who use them every day. To help cover operational costs and keep the site running smoothly, we include non-intrusive ads on some pages—but our commitment to free and open knowledge remains.

The 11-10 Police Code is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. From 10-4 (Acknowledged) to 10-99 (Cardiac Arrest/Officer Held Hostage) and beyond, there are dozens of different codes used across different regions, cities, and law enforcement agencies. Use our website to look up each one and get a deeper understanding of what they mean in real-world contexts.

The Origin of Police Radio Codes: APCO and the Early Days

Police codes, including the 11-10 code, date back to the late 1930s. These shorthand signals were first introduced as part of the APCO Ten Signals, a series of numeric codes designed to improve communication efficiency between officers and dispatch centers. The system was originally created between 1937 and 1940 and was later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO).

Interestingly, APCO’s interest in communication brevity goes back even further. In June 1935, The APCO Bulletin introduced the idea of using shortened Morse code phrases inspired by the U.S. Navy’s procedure symbols. While initially intended for Morse transmissions, these ideas evolved into the voice-based codes we recognize today.

Know the Codes Behind the Badge

Whether it’s the 11-10 Police Code for “Take A Report,” or codes like 10-7 (Out of Service) and 10-42 (End of Duty), understanding police communication gives civilians a unique glimpse into how first responders operate. It’s also a reminder of the professionalism and structure behind emergency services.

Bookmark this site to stay informed, and feel free to explore our database of every U.S. police code used from coast to coast. From scanner listeners to law enforcement students, we’re here to help everyone learn what those codes really mean.

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