What Is a 487.2 Police Code? 487.2 Police Code

The 487.2 police code meaning for the police forces is Purse Snatch.

If you’ve ever come across the term 487.2 Police Code and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Many people search for “What Is 487.2 Police Code?” to understand what this specific code signifies in law enforcement. The answer is simple: 487.2 is the police code for “Purse Snatch.”

This numeric code is part of a larger set of police radio codes designed to improve communication among law enforcement officers. These codes help officers report incidents quickly, clearly, and without confusion. Instead of describing an entire scenario over the radio—such as saying, “a suspect just stole a purse from a pedestrian”—officers can simply use the term “487.2”, which instantly conveys the crime of purse snatching.

What Does 487.2 Police Code Mean?

The 487.2 police code specifically refers to a purse snatching incident. This typically involves a suspect stealing a handbag or purse directly from a victim, often in public places and sometimes involving physical force or threat. Because this type of theft can occur quickly and with little warning, officers need to respond just as fast—and that’s where shorthand like 487.2 proves invaluable.

Why Police Use Codes Like 487.2

Police codes, including 487.2, are used by dispatchers and officers to reduce the risk of miscommunication. Imagine trying to communicate detailed information in a high-pressure situation—errors, misspellings, and misunderstandings could delay a response. By using established police codes such as 487.2, law enforcement ensures streamlined, accurate, and professional communication.

These codes:

Save time in critical moments
Reduce the chances of verbal mistakes
Create a standardized language for all officers and dispatchers
Maintain a level of confidentiality over public radio channels

487.2 Police Code – More Than Just Numbers

Understanding what 487.2 police code means can give you deeper insight into how law enforcement operates. It may seem like a simple set of numbers, but it represents a strategic way of handling communication during potentially dangerous or time-sensitive situations. Whether you’re studying criminal justice, preparing for a law enforcement career, or simply curious, knowing that 487.2 means “Purse Snatch” can help you better understand police procedures and terminology.

What Is 487.2 Police Code?

487.2 Police Code = Purse Snatch
Used by law enforcement for faster, clearer communication
Helps avoid errors in high-stress situations
Part of a broader system of standardized police radio codes

Next time you hear someone mention the 487.2 police code, you’ll know exactly what it means and why it’s important in law enforcement communications.

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Welcome to the Ultimate Police Code Lookup Resource – Featuring the 487.2 Police Code and More

At All Police Codes, we proudly welcome you to one of the most comprehensive online resources for learning about U.S. Police Codes, including the widely referenced 487.2 Police Code. Whether you’re a law enforcement enthusiast, a curious citizen, or someone preparing for a career in criminal justice, you’ve landed in the right place to explore, understand, and learn all about the various police radio codes used across the United States.

We’ve meticulously curated and compiled accurate and up-to-date information on Police 10 Codes, 11 Codes, Penal Codes, and other law enforcement communication signals used daily by emergency responders and public safety officers. From common codes like 10-4 (Acknowledged) to more complex and region-specific codes like 487.2, our platform is designed to help you navigate the essential language of law enforcement communication.

Why Police Codes Matter

Police radio codes play a crucial role in fast, clear, and efficient communication between officers, dispatchers, and emergency responders. These codes allow law enforcement personnel to exchange critical information without revealing sensitive details over public radio frequencies. For instance, the 487.2 Police Code, often used in theft-related incidents, is just one of many specialized codes that help officers communicate discreetly and efficiently in the field.

We’ve spent years researching and studying Police Codes and Signals, and our passion for this field continues to grow. Our goal is to provide free access to valuable and educational content to help civilians and professionals alike better understand how police communication works—and how vital it is for public safety.

What Is the 487.2 Police Code?

The 487.2 Police Code is part of a broader system of penal and communication codes utilized by law enforcement agencies to categorize incidents and communicate them swiftly. While its specific meaning may vary slightly by jurisdiction, it is generally associated with theft or property crime.

To hear how codes like 487.2 are used in real-time, you can listen in using a police scanner app or radio. It’s a great way to understand the practical application of these codes and how they help law enforcement operate efficiently.

A Bit of History: The Origins of Police Radio Codes

Police radio codes have a long and fascinating history. They were first proposed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) in the 1930s. In the June 1935 issue of The APCO Bulletin, APCO introduced Morse code brevity codes, which were adapted from U.S. Navy communication procedures. Initially intended for Morse code, these codes were later adapted for voice communication and became the standardized police radio codes we know today.

Between 1937 and 1940, the use of police codes became more widespread, and in 1974, APCO expanded and standardized them further. Today, these codes are a universal element of emergency response communication.

One of the most meaningful codes is used when an officer ends their shift: 10-7 (Out of Service) followed by 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty). These codes have become symbolic within the law enforcement community and are often used in memorials and tributes.

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Explore More Police Codes

Don’t stop at 487.2—our site offers access to hundreds of police codes from across the United States. From 10 codes and penal codes to local and federal signal codes, we strive to be your go-to reference for law enforcement communication systems.

Whether you’re researching for academic purposes, training for a law enforcement career, or simply curious about how the police radio communication system works, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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