What Is a 390 Police Code? 390 Police Code
The 390 police code meaning for the police forces is Drunk.
If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner or watched a police drama, you might have heard the term “390 Police Code” and wondered what it means. So, what is a 390 police code? In law enforcement, particularly within the state of California and some other jurisdictions, the 390 police code is used to refer to a person who is drunk or intoxicated.
What Is 390 Police Code?
The 390 police code is a shorthand communication used by police officers to indicate that an individual is intoxicated, usually due to alcohol consumption. Instead of saying “we have a drunk individual,” officers can simply say “390,” which keeps radio communication clear, concise, and fast during potentially hectic situations. This code is especially useful in dispatch communications and field reports.
In summary:
- 390 Police Code Meaning: Drunk or intoxicated person
- Usage: “We’ve got a 390 on 5th and Main” = There is a drunk person at that location
The Origin of Police Codes Like 390
Police codes were introduced to streamline communication across law enforcement agencies. The earliest and most well-known set of codes, known as the APCO Ten Signals, was developed in 1937 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). These codes were designed to reduce the length of voice transmissions and limit the chance of miscommunication over the radio.
Over time, different states and police departments began developing their own numeric police codes, and California became known for using a series of such codes—including the 390 police code—in their field operations.
Why Is the 390 Police Code Important?
Understanding what the 390 police code means can help civilians, journalists, scanner enthusiasts, and legal professionals better interpret police communications. Whether you’re listening to a live scanner feed or reading a police blotter, knowing that “390” refers to intoxication gives you crucial context for the situation at hand.
Law enforcement uses these codes for quick reporting, to alert other officers to potential dangers (like dealing with an aggressive drunk individual), and to document incidents accurately and efficiently.
What Is 390 Police Code?
It’s a simple yet highly effective way for law enforcement officers to communicate that they are dealing with a drunk or intoxicated person. These codes, especially the 390 police code, play a key role in maintaining order, safety, and efficient communication in the field.
If you’re interested in more police codes and what they mean, check out resources that detail various California police codes and their corresponding definitions.
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
Your Ultimate Resource for Police Codes and Law Enforcement Communication Signals
Welcome to All Police Codes — your go-to online destination for everything you need to know about police codes used across the United States. Whether you’re a civilian, a hobbyist with a police scanner, or someone studying criminal justice, this website is your comprehensive guide to understanding law enforcement communication. From the widely recognized 390 Police Code to hundreds of other codes used by emergency services, we’ve compiled one of the most complete and easy-to-understand collections of police codes available online.
What Are Police Codes?
Police codes, also known as 10-codes or radio codes, are standardized signals used by law enforcement officers and emergency personnel to communicate efficiently and discreetly over radio channels. These codes help ensure clarity, reduce radio traffic, and enhance officer safety during operations. Common examples include 10-4 (acknowledged), 10-7 (out of service), and 10-42 (end of tour of duty).
The 390 Police Code, like many others, plays a critical role in this communication system. Using a police scanner, enthusiasts and professionals alike can listen to live radio transmissions that use these codes to dispatch officers and coordinate emergency responses.
The History Behind Police Radio Codes
Police codes have a long and fascinating history. They were first developed between 1937 and 1940 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). In 1974, the system was revised and expanded to accommodate growing needs within law enforcement and public safety sectors. The original idea for using brevity codes came from APCO’s 1935 bulletin, which proposed Morse code-based signals adapted from U.S. Navy procedures. These early systems paved the way for the voice-based radio communication protocols we rely on today.
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Listen Live with a Police Code Scanner
Want to hear these codes in action? You can use a police scanner or scanner app to listen in on real-time radio chatter from law enforcement and emergency services in your area. Understanding police radio codes can turn your scanner experience from confusing to fascinating, helping you follow along with what’s happening in your community.
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