What Is a 11-44 Police Code? 11-44 Police Code

The 11-44 police code meaning for the police forces is Possible Fatality / Coroner Required.

If you’ve ever come across the term “11-44 Police Code” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. So, what is 11-44 police code? In police communication, the 11-44 code is used to indicate a possible fatality or that a coroner is required at the scene. It’s a somber but crucial part of emergency radio codes, ensuring that the proper authorities and medical professionals are notified swiftly and discreetly.

The 11-44 police code is typically broadcast by law enforcement officers or dispatchers during emergency calls involving potentially deceased individuals. When this code is used, it alerts all responding units that the situation may involve a death, requiring the presence of a coroner or medical examiner to confirm and handle the fatality in accordance with proper procedures. This short but powerful code helps police departments streamline responses and maintain professionalism and clarity on the radio.

Understanding the 11-44 Police Code in Law Enforcement Communication

The 11-44 police code is a shorthand expression used by law enforcement and emergency response teams to avoid misunderstandings, reduce unnecessary chatter, and maintain a clear chain of communication. Instead of stating “possible fatality” or “coroner required,” which can be misheard or misunderstood in high-stress situations, officers simply say “11-44” and everyone knows what to expect.

This code is part of a wider system of numeric signals known as APCO Ten-Codes, which were introduced back in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). These codes were developed to ensure faster and more accurate exchanges of critical information across radio frequencies. The 11-series codes, such as 11-43 (Doctor Required) and 11-41 (Ambulance Requested), are commonly used in California and some other jurisdictions in the United States.

What Does “Possible Fatality / Coroner Required” Mean in Police Codes?

The phrase “Possible Fatality / Coroner Required” refers to scenarios where an individual may be deceased at the scene of an incident—whether due to an accident, crime, or natural cause—and the body must be examined, confirmed, and processed by a qualified coroner. In these situations, police cannot simply transport the body; a formal declaration of death is required, often along with documentation and investigation from the coroner’s office.

The Police Code for Possible Fatality / Coroner Required is 11-44, and its use triggers a chain of responses that include law enforcement, paramedics, and the medical examiner. This ensures the event is handled respectfully, legally, and according to protocol.

11-44 Police Code in Action

Whether used in traffic collisions, violent crime scenes, or unattended deaths, the 11-44 code communicates seriousness and urgency. If you’re scanning police radios or exploring the world of law enforcement terminology, understanding what 11-44 police code means gives you deeper insight into how real-time emergency communication works.

To learn more about police codes, emergency signals, and how law enforcement coordinates behind the scenes, explore our full list of Police Codes in the USA. You can also listen to live police code scanners to hear how codes like 11-44 are used in real-world dispatch.

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Everything You Need to Know About the 11-44 Police Code – Complete Police Code Resource

Welcome to the ultimate guide for law enforcement radio codes and signals, where we break down and explain essential codes like the 11-44 Police Code. If you’re asking, what is 11-44 Police Code, you’ve landed on the right page. This site is your go-to destination for exploring U.S. police radio codes, including the full range of “11-codes” used by emergency response teams and first responders.

Our dedicated team of public safety enthusiasts and researchers has spent years gathering and verifying accurate information about police radio codes, including the meaning and history behind 11-44 Police Code and many others. This extensive knowledge helps citizens, hobbyists, journalists, and scanner listeners better understand the language of law enforcement. The 11-44 Police Code, which stands for Possible Fatality / Coroner Required, is a critical code used by officers during severe or tragic incidents. It’s a sensitive yet vital part of the police communications protocol, designed to keep radio traffic concise, efficient, and clear.

What Makes Police Codes Like 11-44 So Important?

The 11-44 Police Code is just one of many shorthand signals used by police departments to relay essential information quickly over the radio. Developed originally to improve response times and eliminate miscommunication, these codes allow officers to issue alerts without long verbal explanations. For instance, instead of stating “there’s a possible fatality, and a coroner needs to be dispatched,” an officer can simply transmit “11-44” to get the message across with speed and precision.

These codes form part of the larger APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) 10-code and 11-code systems, introduced in the late 1930s. In fact, police codes were first implemented between 1937 and 1940, evolving from Morse code practices used by the U.S. Navy. While many departments still use these codes today, variations do exist from state to state or department to department. The 11-44 code, however, remains widely recognized for its serious implications.

Why We Created This Police Code Lookup Resource

We created this police code database and educational platform out of a genuine passion for law enforcement communication and a desire to make these often-misunderstood codes more accessible to the general public. Whether you’re a scanner hobbyist, aspiring officer, journalist, or simply curious about what codes like 11-44 Police Code mean, we’re here to help.

All information available on our website is completely free to access. We believe that public safety awareness should be transparent and accessible. To support our operations and ongoing research efforts, our site is supported by advertising.

Learn More and Listen Live

Want to hear the 11-44 Police Code and other emergency signals in real-time? You can use a police scanner or scanner app to tune into law enforcement frequencies and gain firsthand insight into how these codes are used in action. Keep in mind that the 11-44 code is a serious one—it’s used in circumstances involving a potential death or when a coroner must be called, so it’s not used lightly.

Beyond 11-44, we cover every major police code from 11-10 to 11-99 and beyond. Our mission is to provide the most thorough and trustworthy reference for these codes available online.

11-44 Police Code and Police Radio History

The 11-44 Police Code is just one part of a broader, historic communications system that dates back nearly a century. The APCO originally introduced brevity codes in 1935 through The APCO Bulletin, taking inspiration from U.S. Navy communications procedures—though adapted for voice use rather than Morse code.

As technology evolves, so do the ways in which emergency services communicate. But codes like 11-44 remain a crucial part of the toolkit for first responders. Whether you’re a curious citizen or a scanner radio enthusiast, knowing the meaning behind these codes offers valuable insight into the high-stakes world of emergency communications.

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