What Is a 164 Police Code? 164 Police Code
The 164 police code meaning for the police forces is Suicide.
If you’ve ever come across the term 164 Police Code and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Police codes are shorthand used by law enforcement to quickly and clearly communicate vital information. So, what is 164 police code? The 164 police code is used to signify suicide.
Understanding these codes can help civilians and professionals alike better interpret scanner traffic or law enforcement reports. In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of the 164 code, provide background on how police codes originated, and explain why they’re so important in emergency response.
The Meaning of 164 Police Code: Suicide
The police code 164 specifically refers to suicide. When this code is used over the radio or during dispatch, it alerts officers and first responders that they are responding to a call involving a possible suicide. This kind of code helps officers prepare for potentially emotionally intense or dangerous scenes, and ensures they arrive with the appropriate mindset and resources.
History of Police Codes: Where Did They Come From?
Police codes, including the 164 police code, stem from efforts to standardize communication across law enforcement agencies. The first set of police radio codes was introduced in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). These were originally called the APCO Ten Signals, developed to allow quick and clear exchanges between officers and dispatchers during radio transmissions.
These codes were designed to reduce misunderstandings and save time in high-pressure situations. Over time, each jurisdiction has developed its own set of numeric codes, often building on the APCO framework. The California police code system, for example, incorporates hundreds of numbered signals, each referring to a different crime, emergency, or law enforcement scenario.
Why Police Codes Matter
Knowing the meaning behind codes like 164 can be crucial for journalists, legal professionals, or those listening to police scanners. It provides insight into the type of incident being reported and the urgency involved. For officers, using these codes ensures concise and standardized communication that can potentially save lives.
What Is a 164 Police Code?
164 police code refers to suicide and is part of a broader set of numerical codes used by law enforcement to streamline communication. Understanding what a 164 police code means helps create awareness around mental health crises and the important role police officers play in responding to such sensitive incidents.
If you’re interested in learning more about police codes or want a deeper understanding of law enforcement communications, it can be valuable to explore your local jurisdiction’s specific code list, as some codes may vary slightly by region.
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
All Police Codes – Your Comprehensive Guide to Police Radio Codes in the USA
Welcome to All Police Codes, your ultimate online resource for understanding and learning police radio codes used across the United States. Whether you’re a curious citizen, an aspiring law enforcement officer, or simply fascinated by emergency communication, our website is dedicated to bringing you the most complete and up-to-date guide on police codes, including the 164 Police Code and hundreds of other vital law enforcement signals.
We’ve built this website to be your go-to hub for everything related to police scanner codes, 10-codes, signal codes, and radio communications used by police departments, sheriff offices, highway patrols, and other first responders throughout the country.
Learn About the 164 Police Code and More
The 164 Police Code is one of the many specialized codes utilized by emergency services to streamline communication and ensure rapid response in high-pressure situations. Each code, including the 164 code, is part of a standardized system that helps reduce radio traffic, maintain clarity, and protect sensitive information. These codes are widely used in real-time during emergency response, dispatch coordination, and tactical operations.
By using a police code scanner, you can listen to live radio transmissions and hear the 164 Police Code in action, along with many other essential codes used by officers during routine patrols and emergency incidents.
A Labor of Passion and Purpose
Our dedicated team at All Police Codes has spent years researching, compiling, and organizing this valuable information. We are passionate about the world of law enforcement communication and admire the bravery and professionalism of the men and women who serve in our emergency services. This project is our way of giving back and supporting their mission to protect and serve.
The information provided on our website is completely free for everyone to access. We believe that knowledge should be accessible, and we want to educate the public about the tools and systems our police officers use daily. To help us cover operational and hosting costs, we’ve included a few non-intrusive ads on our pages. These ads allow us to maintain and grow this valuable resource without charging our visitors.
The History and Evolution of Police Radio Codes
Police codes have a fascinating history that dates back nearly a century. Between 1937 and 1940, early versions of the police 10-codes were developed to provide a quick and standardized method for officers to communicate over radio systems. These codes were further refined and standardized in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), an organization dedicated to advancing public safety communications.
Before voice-based radio systems were widespread, APCO had already proposed the use of Morse code brevity codes in their June 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin. These early communications protocols were inspired by U.S. Navy procedures and were initially intended for Morse code use—long before voice transmissions became the norm.
Today, police radio codes are used nationwide by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS, and other emergency personnel. The most recognized and symbolic use of police codes often occurs when officers retire or end their tour of duty. In such cases, they may radio dispatch with the 10-7 (Out of Service) code, followed by the 10-42 (Ending Tour of Duty) code—a solemn and honorable tradition in the law enforcement community.
Why Police Codes Matter
Understanding police codes is more than just a hobby—it can provide greater insight into how emergency services operate. It helps foster better community awareness, supports neighborhood watch programs, and enhances the general public’s ability to stay informed during emergencies or large public events.
At All Police Codes, we’re committed to being the most trusted and authoritative source for police code meanings, law enforcement communication protocols, and police scanner frequencies. Whether you’re trying to find the meaning of a specific code like 164, exploring the origins of APCO codes, or setting up your first police scanner, we’ve got you covered.
Related Police Codes to Explore
187 Police Code
192 Police Code
207 Police Code
211 Police Code
215 Police Code
217 Police Code
240 Police Code
242 Police Code
243 Police Code
245 Police Code
Discover more about Police Codes