What Is a 11-46 Police Code? 11-46 Police Code

The 11-46 police code meaning for the police forces is Death Report.

The 11-46 Police Code is a specific radio communication signal used by law enforcement and emergency services. In official police radio lingo, the 11-46 police code stands for “Death Report”—indicating that authorities have received a report of a deceased person.

When officers receive a call tagged as 11-46, it triggers a serious and urgent response. The scene may require securing for further investigation, coordination with the coroner, and in some cases, crime scene protocols depending on the nature of the death. Because of the sensitive and critical nature of this code, it plays a vital role in police operations.

Understanding the 11-46 Police Code in Law Enforcement Communication

Police radio codes, such as 11-46, were introduced as part of the APCO Ten-Signals system during the late 1930s. These codes were developed to allow officers to transmit vital information quickly, accurately, and securely over radio waves—especially in high-stress, high-risk situations. Instead of saying “Death Report” over the radio, which may cause distress if overheard, dispatchers and officers simply use “11-46” to relay the message discreetly and efficiently.

The use of 11-codes like 11-46 Police Code helps eliminate communication errors and ensures uniformity across departments, especially during multi-agency collaborations or statewide emergencies.

Police Code for Death Report: 11-46 in Action

In real-world scenarios, a dispatcher might issue an 11-46 call after receiving a report of an unresponsive individual found at a residence, in a vehicle, or in a public space. Officers responding to an 11-46 Police Code may also work with medical personnel or investigators if foul play is suspected.

Public safety scanners and police radios often transmit these codes in real-time, and individuals with access to scanner apps or devices may hear “11-46” when a death is reported.

What Is 11-46 Police Code?

The 11-46 Police Code is a critical signal used to report a confirmed death to law enforcement agencies. It is a key part of police communication systems, allowing officers to remain clear, calm, and effective when handling serious incidents.

If you’re curious about other 11-series police codes or want to learn more about how emergency communication works, be sure to explore our full directory of U.S. police codes.

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Introduction to Police Codes & 11-46 Meaning

Welcome to All Police Codes—your dedicated source for accurate and detailed information on police radio signals in the United States. If you’re wondering, what is 11-46 Police Code, the answer is simple yet serious: it refers to a Death Report.

The 11-46 Police Code is a standardized communication tool used by law enforcement and emergency personnel to report a death situation without ambiguity. This code is part of a broader system of numeric signals designed to make police radio communication faster, clearer, and more discreet—especially during sensitive events.

Why the 11-46 Police Code Matters

The use of codes like 11-46 helps officers communicate critical information in high-pressure environments. When dispatchers and patrol officers need to quickly report a death, they can use this code to instantly convey the situation without lengthy explanations.

By saying “11-46,” officers notify all units involved that a Death Report is being filed. It can indicate anything from a suspicious unattended death to the need for a coroner at the scene. This makes communication more efficient, saves time, and ensures responses are accurate and appropriate.

History of Police Radio Codes – From Morse to 11-Codes

The 11-code system, including 11-46, has a long and important history. The foundation for today’s codes began in 1935, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) proposed brevity codes based on U.S. Navy Morse procedures. These weren’t originally for voice communications, but the idea evolved quickly.

Between 1937 and 1940, APCO formally introduced Ten-Codes and Eleven-Codes to streamline police radio chatter. By 1974, these systems were expanded further to help emergency response teams coordinate with greater efficiency across cities, counties, and states.

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To support the cost of research, site maintenance, and hosting, we feature ads across our website. But access to all police code explanations, including the 11-46 Death Report Code, will always remain free and public.

Real-Time Use of Code 11-46 & Scanner Tips

Want to hear the 11-46 Police Code in action? You can use a police scanner—either a physical device or an online stream—to listen to real-time law enforcement communication. These scanners are legal in many areas and can be used to better understand how officers deal with serious incidents, including death investigations.

Hearing a callout of “11-46” gives you insight into the seriousness of the situation and how quickly agencies coordinate a response, often involving coroners, detectives, or medical examiners.

Explore More Police Codes

The 11-46 Police Code is just one of many used every day by emergency forces. From 11-29 (Subject Has No Record) to 10-42 (End of Watch), each police code has a specific and vital purpose. They help reduce confusion, protect public privacy, and enhance communication speed and accuracy.

Discover more about Police Codes