What Is a 20001 Police Code? 20001 Police Code

The 20001 police code meaning for the police forces is Hit And Run – Felony.

If you’ve ever heard law enforcement mention “Code 20001” and wondered what it means, you’re in the right place. The 20001 police code refers to a Hit and Run – Felony, a serious traffic-related offense involving a driver fleeing the scene of an accident where injury or death has occurred. It is a critical code used by police officers and dispatchers to instantly convey the severity of a hit-and-run incident that rises to felony level.

The use of police codes like 20001 helps law enforcement communicate efficiently and clearly without confusion. Instead of spelling out long phrases like “Felony Hit and Run with Injury,” officers can simply call in a “20001,” saving time during high-pressure situations.

Understanding the 20001 Police Code: Felony Hit and Run

Under California law, Vehicle Code 20001 VC outlines that any driver involved in a car accident that results in injury or death must remain at the scene and provide identification, render aid if necessary, and cooperate with authorities. Failing to do so is considered a felony hit and run, and that’s exactly what the 20001 police code stands for.

This offense is far more serious than a simple fender bender or property damage. It involves a person fleeing the scene after causing bodily harm to another individual—whether a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another driver. Because of the potential harm and legal implications, 20001 is categorized as a felony, and those convicted can face significant jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

Why Police Use Code 20001 and Other Law Enforcement Signals

The 20001 police code is just one of many shorthand codes used by police departments to streamline radio communication and eliminate room for error. These codes were originally developed between 1937 and 1940 as part of the APCO Ten Signals (by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International). Over time, each region developed its own numeric code system—like California’s 20001 VC—to reflect specific laws and statutes.

By using police codes like 20001, emergency responders are able to:

Quickly alert other units to the nature of an incident.
Avoid miscommunication over radio static.
Coordinate faster, more accurate dispatch responses.
Maintain discretion in public settings where full details may not be appropriate to broadcast.

What Is 20001 Police Code?

It represents a felony hit and run—an offense taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. The 20001 police code allows officers to communicate quickly and act urgently when someone’s life or safety may be at risk after a crash.

Whether you’re looking up the meaning for legal research, personal knowledge, or out of curiosity, knowing what Police Code 20001 means can give you deeper insight into how emergency systems operate and why swift, coded communication remains crucial in the field.

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 Ultimate Guide to Understanding the 20001 Police Code and More

Welcome to All Police Codes, the go-to resource for anyone looking to understand the meaning, history, and usage of law enforcement communication codes across the United States. If you’ve been wondering what the 20001 Police Code is, you’ve come to the right place. Our website is designed to help you explore not only the 20001 Police Code, which refers specifically to Hit and Run – Felony, but also hundreds of other police codes used daily by emergency personnel throughout the country.

We’ve carefully compiled an extensive guide to U.S. police codes so that you, like many of our readers, can learn more about how law enforcement communicates efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re a citizen trying to understand police scanner chatter, a student researching criminal justice topics, or simply curious about how these short numeric codes work—this site was built with you in mind.

Deep Dive Into the 20001 Police Code: Meaning and Importance

The 20001 Police Code, as used by police departments, refers to a felony hit-and-run incident. This means a driver has been involved in a collision, caused injury or death, and then fled the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide aid. This is a serious criminal offense and is treated with utmost priority by law enforcement due to the dangerous disregard for human life and responsibility. The 20001 code allows officers to quickly communicate the nature of such crimes without lengthy radio explanations, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response.

Our Passion for Police Codes and Public Safety

Our team of researchers, enthusiasts, and former first responders has been studying police codes and APCO signals for years. We understand how vital it is for emergency services to have a reliable and standardized system of communication. These codes aren’t just numbers—they’re a lifeline in high-stress, high-risk situations. Codes like 20001 enable officers to convey complex information in just a few digits, reducing errors and saving precious time in critical scenarios.

Every piece of police code information, including the details about the 20001 Police Code, is available here for free. We built this website as a passion project to honor and support the brave men and women of law enforcement and emergency services. To help cover the cost of hosting and maintaining the site, we’ve included non-intrusive advertising.

Why the 20001 Police Code (and Others) Matter in Everyday Use

The 20001 Police Code is just one example of how law enforcement simplifies communication through these codes. There are dozens of codes used every single day by police officers, dispatchers, and other emergency responders to describe various incidents—from vehicle thefts to domestic disputes, drug-related offenses, and more. Codes like 20001 are often heard on police scanners, and you can listen to live scanner feeds to better understand how they’re used in real-time.

A Brief History of Police Code Systems in the U.S.

Police codes were originally introduced in the late 1930s to streamline radio communication. The APCO Ten-Codes, developed between 1937 and 1940 and later expanded in 1974, became the standard language for public safety professionals. These codes helped replace long voice transmissions with concise numeric signals. For example, when an officer ends their shift, they might use “10-7” (out of service) followed by “10-42” (end of tour).

Interestingly, the concept of brevity codes didn’t start with the police. Back in June 1935, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) suggested Morse code-style signals derived from U.S. Navy practices. These initial codes weren’t voice-based—they were built for telegraph-style communications and were later adapted into the voice codes we recognize today.

Discover more about Police Codes