What Is a 20.02 Police Code? 20.02 Police Code

The 20.02 police code meaning for the police forces is Unlawful Restraint.

If you’re asking what is 20.02 Police Code? or looking for a detailed explanation of the 20.02 Police Code, you’re in the right place. The official meaning of 20.02 Police Code is Unlawful Restraint. This code is part of a standardized system used by law enforcement officers across the United States to quickly communicate specific incidents or criminal offenses using short numeric codes.

Understanding the Meaning Behind Police Code 20.02

The 20.02 Police Code refers specifically to Unlawful Restraint, a legal term that describes the act of intentionally restricting another person’s freedom of movement without their consent and without legal justification. This kind of charge may be applied in cases where someone is held against their will or confined unlawfully, but where the case does not meet the higher threshold of kidnapping.

Why Do Police Use Codes Like 20.02?

Law enforcement agencies rely on codes like 20.02 to simplify communication during emergency calls and routine dispatches. Instead of using long and detailed descriptions, police officers use short numeric codes to avoid confusion and streamline their radio transmissions. For example, saying “20.02 in progress” immediately alerts dispatchers and responding officers that an unlawful restraint situation is underway, without needing further explanation.

These police codes are crucial in helping departments maintain clear, fast, and secure communication—especially in high-stress or time-sensitive situations.

The Origin of Police Codes and the 20.02 Code

Police codes—including 20.02 Police Code—were originally introduced in the late 1930s and formally developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These codes have since evolved and are now widely adopted across many jurisdictions, though the exact meaning of specific codes can vary slightly from state to state.

However, in many U.S. law enforcement systems, Police Code 20.02 consistently refers to Unlawful Restraint.

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What Is 20.02 Police Code? Everything You Should Know About the 20.02 Police Code in the U.S.

Welcome to All Police Codes, your ultimate destination for accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand information on U.S. police radio codes. If you’ve been wondering what is 20.02 police code, you’re in the right place. On this page, we explore everything you need to know about the 20.02 Police Code, what it means, how it’s used, and why it matters in law enforcement communications.

We’ve built this comprehensive police codes lookup resource to help you explore the meaning behind codes like 20.02, as well as thousands of other codes used by emergency responders across the United States. Whether you’re a police scanner enthusiast, a student, a journalist, or someone with a general interest in public safety operations, we’re here to help you learn and stay informed.

Meaning of 20.02 Police Code: Unlawful Restraint

So, what does the 20.02 Police Code mean? The police code 20.02 refers specifically to Unlawful Restraint. This code is used by law enforcement officers to quickly communicate that a person is being unlawfully held or confined against their will. It’s a shorthand way of relaying potentially dangerous or criminal behavior involving freedom of movement being restricted without legal justification.

The use of codes like 20.02 allows for fast, precise, and standardized communication over police radios, which is essential during high-pressure emergency response situations.

Why Police Codes Matter – Including Code 20.02

Police radio codes, including 20.02, play a critical role in law enforcement. They eliminate the need for long, descriptive messages, reducing the risk of miscommunication. Instead of saying, “We have a situation involving unlawful restraint,” an officer can simply say, “Code 20.02,” and the message is instantly understood by fellow officers and dispatch.

These codes are especially useful during emergency calls when seconds matter. The quicker and more clearly officers can exchange information, the better they can coordinate their response, ensure public safety, and handle situations efficiently.

History and Development of Police Radio Codes

Police codes originated between 1937 and 1940, developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These codes were designed to standardize communication across departments. APCO initially proposed the idea of brevity codes in 1935, inspired by U.S. Navy Morse code systems, though they later evolved for voice communications.

In 1974, police codes were expanded and refined to suit the growing complexity of law enforcement and emergency operations nationwide.

Today, you can hear codes like 20.02 on a police scanner in real-time as officers respond to active calls. Whether it’s a traffic stop, a criminal investigation, or a high-stakes emergency, radio signals like the 20.02 police code continue to help officers do their job with speed and clarity.

Our Mission: Free, Accurate Police Code Information

At All Police Codes, we’re dedicated to providing free and reliable police code definitions for the public. Our team has spent years researching police codes and signal systems, ensuring that our database is accurate, accessible, and informative. We do this because we believe in public knowledge and the brave emergency forces who serve and protect us daily.

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Learn More About Police Codes Like 20.02

The 20.02 Police Code is just one of many codes used by officers on duty every single day. Codes like 10-7 (out of service) and 10-42 (end of tour of duty) are among the most commonly used radio signals. Learning what these codes mean can give you valuable insight into police work and emergency communications.

Stay tuned and continue exploring our site to learn more about the meanings behind other essential codes and signals used by law enforcement across the United States.

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