What Is a 16.05 Police Code? 16.05 Police Code

The 16.05 police code meaning for the police forces is Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications.

If you’re asking yourself what is 16.05 Police Code, you’re in the right place. The 16.05 Police Code refers specifically to Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications, a serious offense in the realm of law enforcement and public safety operations. This police code is used when someone unlawfully discloses or spreads protected or confidential public communications—information that should remain within law enforcement or authorized personnel only.

Police codes like 16.05 exist to streamline and standardize communication among police officers, dispatchers, and emergency response units. Rather than spelling out full legal descriptions over the radio or during fast-moving incidents, officers rely on numeric codes like 16.05 to relay messages quickly and without confusion.

Why Police Use Code 16.05: Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications

The purpose of using codes like 16.05 Police Code is to create a quick, consistent, and discreet way for law enforcement to refer to complex legal violations. The Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications involves the release of protected messages or transmissions—whether digital, electronic, or radio-based—without proper authority. These communications often involve sensitive details related to investigations, suspects, victims, or operations that are not intended for public or unauthorized access.

This violation can compromise police investigations, put officers or informants at risk, and interfere with justice procedures. That’s why a distinct code like 16.05 exists—to ensure everyone in law enforcement is aligned and instantly understands the severity of the situation when it’s called in.

The Role of Police Code 16.05 in Law Enforcement Communication

The 16.05 Police Code is just one of many standardized radio signals and numeric identifiers developed to help emergency response teams operate more efficiently. First introduced as part of the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) system, these police codes began in the late 1930s and were further expanded in the 1970s to improve clarity and nationwide consistency.

Using the Police Code 16.05, officers avoid long-winded explanations and eliminate chances of miscommunication, especially during high-stress or time-sensitive situations. The shorthand “16.05” is understood instantly by trained personnel and can be scanned or recorded for legal records and later review.

What Is 16.05 Police Code?

The 16.05 Police Code is the police communication code that stands for Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications. This violation involves the unauthorized release of protected or sensitive information meant for internal law enforcement use only. The 16.05 Police Code ensures police officers and emergency teams can communicate this offense swiftly and accurately during operations, ensuring safety, confidentiality, and legal compliance.

Whether you’re studying law enforcement procedures, listening to a police scanner, or simply curious about how police codes work, knowing the meaning of 16.05 Police Code gives you insight into how crucial clear and protected communication is within the world of public safety.

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

Welcome to All Police Codes – Your Ultimate Resource for Understanding the 16.05 Police Code and More

All Police Codes proudly welcomes you to the most comprehensive online resource dedicated to U.S. police codes. Whether you’re a law enforcement enthusiast, a student, a journalist, or simply curious about how emergency communication works, our mission is to help you fully understand police codes—especially the 16.05 Police Code, along with hundreds of other law enforcement signal codes used across the United States.

Our site has been meticulously created to serve as a complete Police Code lookup hub, giving users access to clear explanations and real-world applications of various codes, including the 16.05 Police Code, which stands for Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications. This code plays a crucial role in protecting the confidentiality of sensitive police transmissions and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement communication channels.

What Is the 16.05 Police Code? Why Is It Important?

The 16.05 Police Code, officially interpreted as Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications, refers to any unlawful release or disclosure of information exchanged over official police communication systems. This could involve sharing protected details from radio dispatches, law enforcement databases, or other confidential channels without authorization. Violations of this nature can jeopardize investigations, endanger lives, and compromise public safety.

Police forces rely heavily on standardized radio codes like 16.05 to simplify and secure communication, especially during emergencies or fast-paced operations. Instead of spelling out lengthy violations or risking miscommunication, officers use short, precise numeric codes to relay critical information quickly and clearly.

Why We Built This Police Code Resource

Our team has spent years studying, researching, and curating police codes and signal systems used by emergency responders, law enforcement agencies, and public-safety departments nationwide. We’ve designed this site to make this valuable information freely available to the public. Whether you’re trying to learn what a 16.05 Police Code means or how police radio language works in general, you’ll find all the answers right here.

All the content and explanations provided on this website are completely free to access. We’ve made it our mission to support awareness and understanding of police procedures because we admire and respect the emergency personnel who serve our communities daily. To cover hosting and operational expenses, this site is supported by advertising.

Learn How to Listen to the 16.05 Police Code Using a Scanner

Want to hear the 16.05 Police Code in real time? You can use a police scanner to monitor live communications used by local law enforcement agencies. These scanners are especially useful for those studying criminal justice, aspiring officers, journalists covering crime beats, or hobbyists interested in law enforcement operations.

While 16.05 is just one of many codes used in field communication, each has a specific meaning that ensures rapid and precise understanding between officers and dispatchers. Police codes help reduce radio traffic clutter, prevent misinterpretation, and enhance the speed of emergency responses.

A Brief History of Police Codes in the United States

Police codes were first introduced between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These codes, initially known as “Ten Signals” or “Ten-Codes,” were designed to standardize law enforcement communication across jurisdictions. The 16.05 Police Code is part of a much broader system of codes that evolved over decades to meet modern needs.

Interestingly, as early as June 1935, APCO published Morse code brevity symbols in The APCO Bulletin, modeled after U.S. Navy procedural signals. Although initially intended for Morse code and not voice radio, this laid the groundwork for the voice-based police codes we recognize today.

The 16.05 Police Code and Its Role in Modern Law Enforcement

Understanding what the 16.05 Police Code means and how it’s used offers a deeper look into how law enforcement maintains order and confidentiality during operations. In a field where seconds matter, standardized codes help prevent confusion, especially during high-pressure scenarios.

Whether you’re here to study, research, or simply satisfy your curiosity, we’re glad you’ve visited All Police Codes. Explore our full directory to discover more about law enforcement signal codes, including other vital codes like 10-4 (Acknowledgement), 10-7 (Out of Service), and 10-42 (End of Tour). Stay informed, stay safe, and thank you for supporting those who protect and serve.

Discover more about Police Codes