What Is a 217 Police Code? 217 Police Code

The 217 police code meaning for the police forces is Assault With Intent To Murder.

If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner or watched a crime drama, you’ve likely heard codes like “217” mentioned. But what is 217 police code? The 217 police code is a shorthand communication used by law enforcement to indicate “Assault with Intent to Murder.” This code is primarily used in California and some other jurisdictions that follow similar 10-code systems or numerical radio codes.

What Does 217 Police Code Mean?

The 217 police code meaning is straightforward but serious—Assault with Intent to Murder. This refers to a violent act where the suspect has not only assaulted another person but has done so with the clear intention of ending the victim’s life. It is considered a felony-level offense and often involves the use of a deadly weapon, premeditation, or circumstances that indicate a lethal intent.

History of Police Codes in California

The use of numerical police codes in California dates back to 1937. These codes were introduced by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) as part of the “Ten Signals” system. The primary purpose was to create a standardized and efficient form of communication among officers, dispatchers, and emergency services. Over time, local departments adapted and added their own codes to address specific crimes or situations, which is how codes like 217 came into common use.

Understanding Related Police Codes

In the same vein as the 217 police code, there are other police codes that denote specific crimes or incidents. For example, the 215 police code refers to Carjacking—the forcible taking of a motor vehicle from a person using threats or violence. These short, numeric signals reduce radio traffic confusion and ensure quick, accurate communication in high-stress environments.

What Is Assault with Intent to Murder?

Assault with Intent to Murder is a serious violent offense that goes beyond simple assault or aggravated battery. It implies that the attacker not only intended to cause harm but also had the specific aim of killing the victim. This crime may involve weapons, multiple strikes, or premeditated actions and is usually charged under felony assault laws with enhanced penalties.

When officers receive a Code 217 call, they understand that they are dealing with a potentially life-threatening situation. These calls typically prompt a rapid and robust police response, often involving backup units, emergency medical services, and sometimes SWAT involvement depending on the circumstances.

What Is 217 Police Code?

The 217 police code is a critical shorthand used in law enforcement, primarily in California, to indicate Assault with Intent to Murder. This code helps officers respond quickly and effectively to one of the most dangerous types of calls they can receive. Understanding the 217 police code meaning can offer insight into how law enforcement communicates and responds to serious criminal threats.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Police Codes in the United States

Welcome to All Police Codes, your comprehensive online resource for learning and understanding police codes used by law enforcement agencies across the United States. Whether you’re a citizen curious about what you hear on a police scanner or a future law enforcement professional looking to expand your knowledge, our website is designed to be your go-to destination for everything related to police codes and signals.

We’ve compiled a detailed, easy-to-navigate database covering hundreds of police radio codes, including the widely used 10 codes, 11 codes, and numeric signals. One of the codes you may have just encountered is the 217 Police Code—a code used in real-time communication by emergency response teams to coordinate efficient and accurate operations. With our guide, you’ll be able to understand what the 217 Police Code means and explore how it fits into the broader network of law enforcement communication protocols.

Our team of passionate researchers and public safety supporters has been studying law enforcement communication codes for years. We’ve created this platform to share our findings and help others understand how these codes contribute to the smooth functioning of emergency services. Police codes are vital tools that help officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel exchange critical information quickly and clearly, especially in high-pressure situations where every second counts.

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What is the 217 Police Code?

The 217 code is one of the many unique police communication codes used by officers across various jurisdictions. If you’re using a police scanner or a scanner app, you might hear the 217 code during a broadcast, especially in specific regions where this code is actively used. Because police codes can vary by state and department, our website includes a region-specific breakdown to help you pinpoint where and how certain codes, like the 217, are used.

The History and Evolution of Police Codes

The concept of police radio codes dates back to the late 1930s. Between 1937 and 1940, standardized codes were developed to help streamline police radio transmissions. In 1974, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) expanded on these early efforts, formalizing what are now known as the 10-codes—a system that uses numbers preceded by “10-” to convey information succinctly over radio channels.

Interestingly, APCO originally proposed Morse code brevity codes in their June 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin. These brevity codes were inspired by U.S. Navy communication protocols and adapted for use in public safety communications—though initially intended for Morse code, not voice transmissions.

Commonly Used Police Codes

Among the most widely recognized police codes are:

10-7 – Officer out of service
10-42 – Officer ending tour of duty (commonly used at retirement)
10-4 – Acknowledgment (i.e., “Copy that”)
Code 3 – Emergency response with lights and sirens

These codes form the backbone of police radio communication and are still in use today by countless law enforcement agencies, although some regions have moved toward plain-language communication for clarity.

Learn, Listen, and Understand Police Codes

At AllPoliceCodes.com, our goal is to educate the public, support emergency service transparency, and provide a reliable platform where anyone can learn police codes, listen to police scanners, and deepen their appreciation for the complex system of public safety communication.

Explore our full database of police codes, including the 217 Police Code, and discover the language that keeps our cities safe, our officers connected, and our emergency services running efficiently.

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