What Is a 21.19 Police Code? 21.19 Police Code

The 21.19 police code meaning for the police forces is Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material.

The 21.19 police code is officially used to represent the offense of Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material. This specific police code is part of a broader categorization system used by law enforcement agencies to communicate various criminal activities through standardized numerical codes. These codes are integral to efficient, discreet, and rapid communication between officers, dispatchers, and emergency personnel—particularly when urgency and clarity are of the essence.

When an officer uses the 21.19 police code, it generally signifies that a suspect is involved in distributing sexually explicit images or videos through digital means, such as email, text messages, social media platforms, or other forms of electronic communication. This offense can often overlap with other serious digital crimes and is particularly relevant in cases involving minors, cyber exploitation, or the unauthorized sharing of intimate content. In many jurisdictions, charges under this code are treated seriously and can result in significant legal consequences, including potential felony charges depending on the context and severity of the act.

The Purpose Behind Police Code 21.19 and Its Role in Modern Law Enforcement Communication

To understand 21.19 police code, it is important to appreciate the larger system from which it originates. Police codes were initially introduced between 1937 and 1940, known as the APCO Ten Signals, developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). These codes were later expanded in 1974 to include more specific violations as law enforcement needed more detailed shorthand to address emerging criminal behaviors, especially with the rise of digital crimes in recent decades.

The 21.19 code allows officers to quickly notify dispatch or fellow units of incidents involving the unlawful sharing of explicit digital content. Rather than describing the offense in full detail over radio or digital dispatch systems, which could lead to miscommunication or public exposure, a short and universally recognized code like 21.19 keeps communication secure, professional, and legally compliant. As technology continues to evolve, so do the offenses associated with it—and the use of 21.19 reflects this modern law enforcement challenge.

What Is Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material? (Police Code 21.19)

Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material refers to the deliberate act of sending, sharing, or publishing sexually explicit images or videos through digital devices without proper consent or in violation of legal standards. This can involve “sexting” between adults, the distribution of revenge pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation of minors, or unauthorized uploading of adult content.

When this kind of activity is detected or reported, officers may refer to police code 21.19 to denote the offense. The term can encompass a range of scenarios, such as:

An individual sending explicit images of someone else without their permission
Minors engaging in sexting, which may fall under child pornography laws
The use of hidden cameras or digital surveillance to capture and share intimate acts electronically
The mass distribution of explicit media via platforms like OnlyFans, social apps, or messaging services without consent

Because of the sensitive nature of this crime and its digital trail, investigations typically involve digital forensics, cybercrime specialists, and coordination with internet service providers or tech platforms to trace the source and spread of the unlawful material.

Understanding the 21.19 Police Code in Today’s Digital Crime Landscape

The 21.19 Police Code stands for Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material, a modern criminal offense that highlights the dark side of digital communication. The 21.19 police code plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement agencies maintain precision and speed in handling increasingly complex crimes that emerge from our ever-evolving online world.

Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a legal researcher, or someone interested in police terminology, knowing the full scope and implications of police code 21.19 helps build awareness of how modern crimes are categorized and addressed. As society becomes more connected online, this type of offense—along with the police codes designed to combat it—will only grow in relevance.

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Your Complete Source for the 21.19 Police Code and All U.S. Police Radio Codes

At All Police Codes, we proudly serve as your comprehensive and trusted source for exploring every police code used by law enforcement across the United States — including the increasingly important 21.19 Police Code. Whether you’re a researcher, journalist, emergency responder, or simply someone curious about police communication, our website is designed to help you discover, learn, and understand the full range of codes used in the field every day.

We’ve built this police code guide to be as user-friendly and informative as possible. Here, you’ll find detailed explanations for codes like 21.19, which refers to the Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material. This specific police code is part of a broader classification system that helps law enforcement officers share crucial information quickly, accurately, and with minimal room for misinterpretation.

Why Understanding the 21.19 Police Code Matters

The 21.19 Police Code is more than just a number — it represents a serious criminal offense involving the distribution or transmission of explicit visual content via electronic means, such as mobile devices or the internet. With the rise of digital communication and social media, crimes under this category have become more prevalent, making awareness of this code essential for anyone involved in law enforcement or legal reporting.

Police codes like 21.19 are part of a vital communication system that helps officers streamline conversations, especially during high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios. Instead of explaining the entire situation over the radio, officers can simply state “21.19,” and trained personnel will immediately understand the context of the offense. This efficiency plays a critical role in how quickly police departments can respond to threats, make arrests, and ensure public safety.

Decades of Research and Dedication to Police Communication Systems

Our team at All Police Codes has been researching law enforcement radio signals, ten-codes, and communication protocols for years. We’ve followed the evolution of police code systems, from the original APCO Ten Signals introduced between 1937 and 1940 to the broader, standardized formats that continue to evolve today. In fact, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) expanded on these codes significantly in 1974, further refining the way officers communicate over the radio.

Long before voice communication became the norm, APCO introduced its first brevity signals based on Morse code procedures used by the U.S. Navy. This system was designed to promote clarity and eliminate confusion during critical transmissions. These early innovations laid the groundwork for today’s structured code systems — including the 21.19 code — which are now used nationwide to manage emergencies, report criminal activity, and streamline interdepartmental communication.

Free Access to the 21.19 Police Code and More — Because We Believe in Transparency

We believe in making law enforcement communication more accessible to the public. That’s why the 21.19 Police Code and every other code on our website is completely free to explore and learn from. Whether you’re a civilian interested in understanding scanner traffic or a student researching criminal justice, you’ll find reliable and easy-to-understand explanations right here.

We created this platform out of genuine appreciation for the emergency services that protect our communities. While we do run ads on the site to help cover operational costs, our mission remains clear: to provide free, high-quality educational content about police codes like 21.19 and their importance in public safety.

If you want to listen to live dispatch calls or gain real-time insight into active law enforcement communication, you can use a police code scanner. With the right scanner and a little knowledge of what codes like 21.19 stand for, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of how officers respond to complex and sensitive cases involving digital crimes and explicit content.

Why the 21.19 Police Code Deserves Attention

The 21.19 Police Code, which signals Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material, is a modern code reflecting the increasing complexity of online and digital offenses. As cybercrime continues to rise, law enforcement must adapt their communication systems accordingly — and codes like 21.19 are at the heart of that evolution.

From the earliest APCO signals to today’s advanced radio systems, police codes have always been about precision, speed, and safety. Understanding what these codes mean, particularly more serious ones like 21.19, empowers both professionals and the public to better comprehend the daily challenges faced by emergency responders.

For everything related to police communication — from 21.19 Police Code explanations to scanner listening tips and APCO history — All Police Codes is your go-to destination. We’re proud to support public education and awareness, one code at a time.

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