What Is a 38.13 Police Code? 38.13 Police Code

The 38.13 police code meaning for the police forces is Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct.

The 38.13 Police Code is officially designated to represent the offense known as Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct. This code is used by law enforcement officers to quickly and clearly communicate situations in which an individual is actively disrupting or interfering with official court proceedings, legal processes, or governmental hearings through disorderly or inappropriate behavior. When officers or dispatchers reference Police Code 38.13, it typically indicates a situation where someone’s conduct is obstructing the lawful operations of the justice system.

Understanding 38.13 Police Code is vital not only for those in law enforcement but also for civilians, legal professionals, and anyone interested in criminal justice terminology. Police codes like 38.13 are part of a broader law enforcement communication system designed to make on-the-ground interactions faster, more precise, and less prone to misinterpretation. Rather than spelling out long descriptions of incidents, officers use standardized codes such as 38.13 to streamline reports and radio calls—saving time and ensuring accuracy during critical situations.

What Does 38.13 Police Code Mean? Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct Explained

The offense described under 38.13 Police Code—Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct—can include a range of disruptive actions. These may involve shouting, physical aggression, refusal to obey lawful orders during a hearing, or any behavior that significantly delays or impairs the course of justice. The legal system depends on order, decorum, and respect for the procedural process. When an individual willfully causes disruption, it can affect the outcomes of cases, delay proceedings, and even threaten the impartiality of justice.

This particular code is more than a communication shortcut—it encapsulates a serious criminal offense that may lead to arrest, fines, or even jail time, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the conduct. It is not limited to courtrooms but may also apply to administrative hearings, depositions, or any formal governmental setting where legal matters are being handled.

For example, if a person begins shouting during a court trial and refuses to be quiet after multiple warnings from the judge, that individual may be cited or arrested under the 38.13 Police Code for obstructing the proceeding through disorderly behavior.

The Origins and Role of Police Code 38.13 in Law Enforcement Communication

The use of numeric police codes dates back to between 1937 and 1940, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) first introduced the “Ten Signals” to improve radio efficiency for police departments across the U.S. Since then, additional numerical codes, including those in the 38.xx series, have been developed to represent specific criminal offenses.

The 38.13 Police Code is one such code used primarily within Texas law and certain standardized policing systems. It allows law enforcement officers to report and document cases of disorderly conduct in judicial settings swiftly and uniformly across departments and regions. Because law enforcement often involves multi-agency coordination, these codes serve as a vital shared language.

Police code systems, including 38.13, are particularly useful during high-stress situations when fast, clear communication is essential to ensure public safety and uphold the law. Moreover, with the rise of public access to police scanners and real-time dispatch monitoring, understanding police codes like 38.13 Police Code empowers civilians and journalists to better comprehend active incidents as they unfold.

Why Knowing the 38.13 Police Code Matters

The 38.13 Police Code refers specifically to Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct, a serious legal violation that disrupts the formal functions of government and justice. Understanding this code provides deeper insight into how law enforcement maintains order within legal environments and communicates incidents efficiently. Whether you’re a student of criminal justice, an aspiring law enforcement professional, or simply curious about police terminology, learning the exact meaning and purpose behind Police Code 38.13 helps demystify the complex world of police communications.

For anyone asking what is 38.13 Police Code, it’s not just a number—it’s a key to understanding how officers uphold law and order in sensitive and formal legal spaces where decorum is paramount. Stay informed, stay engaged, and explore more police codes on our website to expand your knowledge of how modern policing truly operates.

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Discover the Full Meaning and Purpose Behind the 38.13 Police Code

Welcome to All Police Codes—your ultimate resource for exploring, understanding, and decoding the vast array of law enforcement communication signals used across the United States. Whether you’re a law enforcement enthusiast, a public safety researcher, or simply curious about what specific police codes mean, you’re in the right place. Our website is dedicated to bringing you accurate and detailed information about every police code in existence, including the widely used 38.13 Police Code.

Our comprehensive Police Codes guide is designed to help you easily discover and learn the official definitions, context, and real-world application of each code. The 38.13 Police Code, for example, refers specifically to “Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct”—a charge used when a person deliberately disrupts official governmental or judicial operations through unruly or inappropriate behavior. This type of offense may occur in courtrooms, during police investigations, or any other legal proceedings where order and authority are essential.

A Trusted Resource Developed from Decades of Police Code Research

The team behind All Police Codes has spent years studying the evolution, implementation, and real-time usage of Police Codes and APCO signals. These codes are far more than just shorthand; they form a critical part of how police officers, emergency responders, and dispatchers maintain clarity, precision, and speed in high-stakes situations. Miscommunication can cost time—and in emergencies, time saves lives.

Through careful research, we’ve uncovered how codes like 38.13 Police Code have contributed to streamlining operations and preventing misinterpretations that can arise when trying to describe incidents in full. That’s why concise signals like this are an invaluable tool for those serving in the field. The code 38.13 allows officers to report incidents involving obstructive behavior with a single, universally recognized term, helping them move forward quickly with proper procedures.

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The police code information we provide is completely free of charge. We’re not here to sell you anything—we’re here because we’re passionate about supporting law enforcement transparency and public education. We believe that understanding codes such as the 38.13 Police Code promotes better community awareness and appreciation for the complexity of emergency communication.

To help keep this educational platform running and accessible to all, we rely on advertising to cover operational costs. Every visit you make supports the continued sharing of law enforcement knowledge with individuals and communities across the country.

In addition to reading about codes like 38.13, you can listen in on actual police communications using a police scanner. These devices allow you to hear how police codes are used in real-time, offering an unmatched glimpse into the day-to-day operations of law enforcement teams and emergency services.

The Origins and Historical Development of Police Codes

Police codes have a rich history that dates back to the late 1930s. Between 1937 and 1940, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) began creating a standardized set of signals to improve radio communication efficiency. These codes—initially known as the APCO Ten Signals—quickly became the backbone of radio procedure in departments across the U.S.

The system saw further expansion in 1974, reflecting evolving needs and more complex communication demands. Long before these voice-based systems became mainstream, APCO proposed Morse-code-based brevity signals in their June 1935 bulletin. These early proposals, influenced by U.S. Navy protocol, were the seeds of what would later evolve into the standardized voice codes we recognize today, such as 10-7 (Out of Service) and 10-42 (End of Tour).

The 38.13 Police Code sits among this intricate network of designations, representing a legal concern that officers frequently encounter in their efforts to maintain civic order and court decorum.

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