What Is a 11-7 Police Code? 11-7 Police Code

The 11-7 police code meaning for the police forces is Prowler.

If you’ve ever tuned into a police scanner or watched a crime drama, you’ve probably heard a bunch of rapid-fire codes being thrown around. One of those is the 11-7 police code. So, what is 11-7 police code exactly? The 11-7 Police Code stands for Prowler — a term used when there’s a report of a suspicious person lurking around a property, possibly with the intent to commit a crime.

Law enforcement agencies across the United States use the 11-7 code to quickly and efficiently communicate situations involving a possible intruder, loiterer, or someone behaving suspiciously in or around residential or commercial areas. When officers receive a call about a prowler, it’s typically because someone has seen or heard something unusual near their home or business — possibly a person sneaking around or attempting to break in.

The Purpose Behind Police Codes Like 11-7

Police departments use numeric codes such as 11-7 to streamline communication and reduce radio chatter during high-pressure situations. Instead of spelling out “there’s a possible prowler on the premises,” dispatchers and officers simply say “11-7,” ensuring the message is conveyed clearly and concisely with less risk of misunderstanding. This use of short-form codes keeps communications standardized and secure, especially when every second counts in a potential emergency.

The use of police codes, including 11-7, began in the late 1930s when the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International) developed a standardized system to enhance efficiency for first responders. These codes have since evolved and been adopted widely across the United States by police departments, sheriff offices, and emergency responders.

What Does ‘Prowler’ Mean in Police Terms? | Police Code for Prowler: 11-7

In police terminology, a prowler refers to an individual suspected of wandering around a property or premises, usually under suspicious or possibly criminal circumstances. It could be someone lurking in alleyways, peering into windows, or even attempting to test door locks. Because such behavior often precedes more serious crimes like burglary or trespassing, police treat 11-7 calls with urgency.

When a call comes through reporting a prowler, officers are typically dispatched to the location to assess the situation, question any suspects found on-site, and ensure the safety of the property and its occupants.

Why It’s Important to Know What 11-7 Police Code Means

Knowing what 11-7 police code means can help you better understand the language of law enforcement and police scanners. Whether you’re listening in for public safety awareness or simply curious about police operations, understanding that 11-7 means Prowler gives you insight into how officers respond to suspicious activities that could lead to more serious crimes.

The 11-7 police code remains a vital part of the broader police code system used every day by emergency services to communicate effectively, act swiftly, and keep communities safe. So next time you hear “11-7” on a scanner or in a news report, you’ll know exactly what’s going down — someone shady might be lurking nearby.

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What Is 11-7 Police Code? Meaning and Law Enforcement Use

The 11-7 Police Code is used by law enforcement officers to report a Prowler. This code is broadcast when officers respond to reports of suspicious individuals lurking in an area, possibly casing a location for criminal intent. By using concise radio signals like 11-7, police departments

Using a numeric code like 11-7 reduces confusion and helps officers convey vital information quickly. Instead of long verbal explanations over the radio, a simple “11-7” alerts fellow units and dispatchers instantly about the situation.

Police Code 11-7 Explained: History and Background

Police radio codes originated between 1937–1940, when law enforcement agencies introduced short numeric signals known as APCO Ten Codes to streamline radio communication. These were later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), creating the system many departments still use today.

Fun Fact: APCO actually proposed Morse code brevity signals as early as 1935, adapted from U.S. Navy protocols. Although originally designed for Morse code, they evolved into today’s verbal ten-codes used across voice radio.

11-7 is one of many “eleven-series” codes still widely used by various police departments across the United States.

How the 11-7 Police Code Fits Into Modern Law Enforcement

The 11-7 Police Code is part of a larger system of law enforcement communication used during:

Patrols in residential or commercial areas
Reports of potential burglaries or loitering
Nighttime activity checks
Calls involving unknown or suspicious persons

Want to hear police code 11-7 being used in real-time? With a police scanner, you can monitor local radio frequencies and listen as law enforcement communicates using ten-codes like 11-7 and others.

Our Mission — Bringing Clarity to Police Codes Like 11-7

Our goal is simple: to make information about police communication — especially codes like 11-7 — accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a public safety enthusiast, aspiring officer, or just curious about what you’re hearing on your police scanner, this site is for you.

We provide all our content free of charge because we’re passionate about law enforcement communication. To help maintain the site, we include some advertising — but our mission remains: helping you learn the meaning behind codes like 11-7.

Most Popular Police Codes in Use Today

Among the many police codes still used across departments:

11-7: Prowler
10-7: Out of Service
10-42: End of Officer’s Tour of Duty (commonly used during retirement)
11-65: Traffic Signal Light Out
11-66: Traffic Signal Out-of-Order

These codes are still a vital part of modern law enforcement, keeping communication sharp, safe, and efficient.

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