What Is a 12020 Police Code? 12020 Police Code

The 12020 police code meaning for the police forces is Carrying Concealed Weapon.

If you’ve ever heard law enforcement refer to the 12020 Police Code, you might be wondering—what is 12020 police code exactly? This police code refers to the offense of Carrying a Concealed Weapon, a serious charge that can lead to arrest and prosecution depending on the circumstances and intent behind the possession.

12020 Police Code is used by police officers to quickly and clearly communicate situations involving concealed weapons during radio transmissions or official documentation. The use of numeric police codes like 12020 helps reduce misunderstandings, keeps communication efficient, and protects sensitive details from public interpretation during emergencies.

The Meaning Behind the 12020 Police Code

In law enforcement terms, the 12020 police code specifically refers to the act of illegally possessing or concealing a dangerous weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or other prohibited device, on one’s person or within reach. This police code helps officers identify and prioritize potential threats during traffic stops, routine patrols, or criminal investigations.

This offense falls under California Penal Code Section 12020 (now recodified under newer sections but still widely referred to using the traditional code). It originally covered a wide range of weapon-related violations including switchblades, brass knuckles, short-barreled rifles, and other illegal or unregistered concealed weapons.

Why Police Use the 12020 Code for Concealed Weapons

Police officers rely on shorthand codes like 12020 to keep their communication streamlined, especially during high-pressure incidents. Saying “12020” is faster and less ambiguous than saying “suspect carrying a concealed weapon,” particularly over the radio where clarity and speed are essential. The code helps coordinate law enforcement responses without broadcasting too much detail in public radio space.

How the 12020 Police Code Fits into Law Enforcement Communication

Police codes, including the 12020 police code, were originally developed in the late 1930s through the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) as part of the “Ten Signal” system. Over time, states and jurisdictions developed their own numerical codes to reflect common offenses, threats, and administrative procedures. While some areas now use plain English protocols, many still use police codes like 12020 for rapid identification of concealed weapon violations.

What Is 12020 Police Code?

The 12020 police code stands for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, an offense that poses serious safety risks to the public and law enforcement. It’s a vital shorthand tool used by police departments to keep communication precise, professional, and fast. Understanding what a 12020 police code means helps the public stay informed about how police handle situations involving hidden or illegal weapons.

Whether you’re curious about law enforcement communication or looking up a code you heard on a scanner, knowing the 12020 police code meaning gives insight into the critical work done by police officers to keep communities safe.

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Your Complete Guide to the 12020 Police Code and Police Radio Codes in the USA

Welcome to All Police Codes, the most comprehensive and reliable resource for anyone interested in learning more about police communication, law enforcement codes, and especially the 12020 Police Code. Our mission is to provide free, detailed, and constantly updated information about all police codes used across the United States—so you can better understand what these codes mean and how they’re used in real-time by emergency responders.

We’ve built this police code directory with one goal in mind: to make learning about law enforcement radio communication both accessible and informative. Whether you’re here to research the 12020 Police Code, which refers to Carrying a Concealed Weapon, or you’re exploring the broader range of police signals used by officers nationwide, you’re in the right place.

What Is the 12020 Police Code?

The 12020 Police Code specifically relates to Carrying a Concealed Weapon. This radio code is used by officers and dispatchers to quickly and clearly communicate a situation involving someone unlawfully concealing a weapon. Rather than saying the entire description, officers use the short numeric code “12020” to ensure concise, error-free communication over radio systems—especially critical in high-stakes, fast-moving situations.

Understanding codes like 12020 helps civilians, reporters, security personnel, and enthusiasts follow police scanner broadcasts with clarity. These codes minimize confusion, reduce miscommunication, and streamline law enforcement operations.

Why Are Police Codes Like 12020 Used?

Police departments across the U.S. rely on a vast system of short-hand numeric codes, like the 12020 Police Code, to handle everything from minor incidents to major emergencies. These codes were originally introduced in 1937 as part of the APCO Ten Signals, a standardized communication method developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The goal was to improve radio clarity, reduce transmission time, and allow for more secure and professional communication on public airwaves.

Over the decades, these police radio codes were expanded, revised, and adapted by local departments to suit regional needs. While some jurisdictions stick closely to APCO standards, others develop localized code variations. Still, the 12020 code remains widely recognized for identifying individuals who are carrying a concealed firearm or weapon—illegally or under suspicious circumstances.

Our Mission: Free and Trusted Information on Police Codes

At All Police Codes, we are passionate about law enforcement communication systems and dedicated to offering accurate, easy-to-understand explanations of codes like 12020 Police Code. We’ve spent years researching police codes and radio signals used by first responders. These short-form codes play a vital role in how officers respond to calls, coordinate on-scene efforts, and ensure public safety.

All of the content on our website, including this detailed guide to the 12020 Police Code, is completely free to access. We believe this information should be available to everyone—whether you’re a student, journalist, law enforcement hopeful, or just a curious citizen. In order to support our operations and keep this resource online, we run limited advertising throughout the website.

Want to Hear the 12020 Police Code in Action?

If you want to listen in on real-time law enforcement communications and hear codes like 12020 being used live, you can do so with a police code scanner or scanner app. These tools allow you to follow along with police departments in your area (where legally permitted) and better understand how radio codes shape daily law enforcement activity.

A Look Back: How Police Codes Evolved Over Time

The concept of radio communication codes in law enforcement dates back to the mid-1930s. The APCO Ten Signals were first introduced in 1937 and were officially expanded in 1974. Interestingly, the earliest forms of brief communication used Morse code and were adapted from U.S. Navy procedures. The idea was to create fast, efficient systems for emergency dispatch—paving the way for modern numeric police codes like 12020.

One of the most widely used police signals today is the 10-7 code, meaning “Out of Service,” and the 10-42 code, which signifies an officer ending their tour of duty. These radio transmissions are often used together as a respectful way to mark the end of a shift—or in solemn ceremonies to honor a fallen officer.

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