What Is a 11-87 Police Code? 11-87 Police Code

The 11-87 police code meaning for the police forces is Bomb Found / Assist Other Unit.

If you’re wondering what is 11-87 Police Code, you’re in the right place. The 11-87 police code is used by law enforcement agencies and emergency communication systems to indicate a very specific and critical situation: Bomb Found / Assist Other Unit. This means that either an explosive device has been located and confirmed, or that one unit is being asked to assist another — often in extremely dangerous, high-alert scenarios.

Understanding what a 11-87 Police Code means is important not only for law enforcement enthusiasts and scanner listeners but also for those interested in public safety, security protocols, or emergency response procedures. The 11-87 code is one of many numerical signals used to streamline communication, improve clarity, and reduce the chance of errors during radio transmissions in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Origin and Importance of the 11-87 Police Code

The 11-87 code, like many others in the “11-series,” originates from the APCO Ten Signal system, which was developed between 1937 and 1940. These codes were designed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to create a standardized way for police officers and emergency responders to quickly relay vital information without lengthy explanations. In 1974, the system was expanded to accommodate the growing demands of public safety communications.

The purpose behind using concise codes like 11-87 is to ensure that information is transmitted clearly, with no ambiguity. Saying “11-87” over a radio is much faster and more precise than trying to explain that a bomb has been found or that assistance is required with another unit in the field. Every second matters in emergency situations — and police codes are designed to save time and lives.

Clarifying the Police Code for Bomb Found / Assist Other Unit

The 11-87 police code means another responding officer or team may need backup or support due to the severity of the call.

The Police Code 11-87 serves dual purposes:

Bomb Found – indicating confirmation of a potentially explosive device.
Assist Other Unit – a request to aid another responding unit, often in a bomb-related emergency or equally hazardous situation.

Whether you’re a student of criminal justice, a police radio hobbyist, or simply someone asking “What is 11-87 Police Code?”, understanding these critical emergency codes gives you deeper insight into how law enforcement operates behind the scenes — especially in high-risk cases involving potential explosives.

For more police codes and their meanings, continue exploring our comprehensive guide to U.S. Police Code terminology.

Main Police Codes
Alphabet For Police
California Penal Codes
Emergency Response Codes
Police 10 Codes
Police 11 Codes
Police Abbreviations
Police Nicknames
Police Radio Codes
Police Scanner Codes
Texas Penal Codes

What Is the 11-87 Police Code?

The 11-87 Police Code is a specific law enforcement signal used to communicate a “Bomb Found” situation or to assist another unit. It’s a vital part of police radio communication, ensuring that officers can respond quickly and efficiently to potentially dangerous threats. When this code is used, it usually indicates a high-alert scenario that requires the immediate attention of specialized units, such as bomb squads or tactical response teams.

Why Police Use Codes Like 11-87

Police codes like 11-87 are designed to simplify and streamline communication. Instead of using long descriptions or risking misunderstandings over the radio, officers rely on concise codes to keep the dialogue quick and crystal clear. These numeric codes ensure that everyone on the line—no matter how chaotic the situation—understands the message instantly.

Codes like 11-87 are used across departments nationwide and allow officers to maintain order and avoid confusion during high-stress operations, especially when timing is critical.

Our Mission: Helping You Understand Police Codes

Our website was built with one mission in mind: to provide a complete and trusted resource for anyone curious about U.S. police codes. From common traffic-related signals to emergency response codes like 11-87, we’ve assembled a comprehensive police codes guide so that anyone—from students to journalists to concerned citizens—can understand what these signals mean.

We’ve been researching police codes and emergency communication signals for years. Our passion stems from a deep respect for public safety personnel and the structured communication systems that help save lives.

The History Behind the 11-87 Police Code

Police radio codes trace back to the 1930s when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) introduced the original Ten Signals. These were first proposed in a 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin, modeled after Morse code brevity systems used by the U.S. Navy.

The 11-series codes, including 11-87, were later added to address a broader range of scenarios. They evolved into a staple part of police communication, particularly after further refinement in 1974 by APCO to adapt to growing law enforcement needs.

Using a Police Code Scanner to Hear 11-87

If you’re curious to hear these codes live, you can use a police code scanner to monitor local law enforcement channels. While not every code will be heard daily, when a situation calls for it, the 11-87 Police Code will be broadcast to alert all nearby units of a bomb discovery or to provide backup for other officers on scene.

Scanners are a great tool for emergency service enthusiasts or anyone wanting to better understand how real-time law enforcement communication works.

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Learn More About Police Codes in the U.S.

The 11-87 Police Code is just one of many essential communication tools used daily across the country. From routine traffic control to life-threatening emergencies, police codes are a core part of how departments operate safely and effectively.

Want to learn more? Browse our full guide to explore dozens of police codes used across different states and agencies. Whether you’re a researcher, a curious citizen, or just love learning about how the emergency system works—you’ll find everything you need right here.

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