What Is a 64 Police Code? 64 Police Code

The 64 police code meaning for the police forces is Armed Robbery.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, what is 64 Police Code, you’re in the right place. The 64 Police Code is a law enforcement communication shorthand used to signify Armed Robbery. Police departments across the United States utilize numeric codes like 64 to streamline radio transmissions and respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently.

64 Police Code: Armed Robbery Explained

The 64 Police Code stands for Armed Robbery, a serious criminal offense that involves unlawfully taking property from someone through force or intimidation, typically while armed with a weapon. This code is commonly heard over police radio scanners, particularly in areas where high-risk crimes occur. Officers and emergency responders use Code 64 to instantly communicate the nature of a dangerous and time-sensitive situation.

Why Do Police Use Codes Like 64?

Police codes, including Code 64 for Armed Robbery, were originally developed to standardize communication across departments. The APCO Ten Signals, created between 1937 and 1940, were among the first organized systems of police radio codes. The system was later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) to further improve clarity and response times during emergencies.

Using a concise numeric code like 64 eliminates the need for lengthy verbal descriptions over the radio. It reduces the chance of miscommunication and ensures that all officers understand the urgency of a robbery-in-progress situation. Codes like 63 (Criminal Trespass) and 64 (Armed Robbery) allow for consistent and fast responses across law enforcement agencies.

What Is Armed Robbery?

Armed Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of property from another person while using or threatening to use a deadly weapon. This crime often involves high stakes and the potential for physical harm, which is why it’s categorized under its own police code—64. Law enforcement takes Code 64 calls seriously, dispatching units quickly and often requesting backup depending on the threat level.

What Is 64 Police Code?

The 64 Police Code is a shorthand used by law enforcement to indicate an armed robbery. This specific code helps officers communicate quickly and clearly, especially during high-risk situations that require immediate action. Originating from the APCO code system designed to standardize emergency communication, Code 64 plays a vital role in ensuring rapid and coordinated responses. Whether you’re listening in on a police scanner or simply learning about police terminology, understanding what 64 Police Code means offers insight into how police departments manage serious incidents like armed robberies.

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Your Complete Guide to the 64 Police Code

Welcome to All Police Codes, your trusted online resource for exploring and understanding law enforcement communication. Whether you’re a police scanner hobbyist, a student of criminal justice, or just someone interested in emergency response systems, this is the place for you. One of the most important codes in police communication is the 64 Police Code, which officially stands for Armed Robbery. This code is commonly used by officers during real-time radio transmissions to report active incidents involving weapons and theft.

The use of numeric codes like Police Code 64 allows officers to keep their messages short and precise during high-stress situations. These codes eliminate the need for long verbal explanations, cutting down on confusion and enabling a faster, more organized response across departments. When a call goes out with a “64,” all units immediately understand the urgency involved.

Why Police Use Codes Like 64 for Fast, Clear Communication

Police departments across the United States rely heavily on numeric codes like 64 Police Code to keep their communication efficient and professional. These codes ensure that everyone on the frequency—dispatchers, officers, supervisors, and support units—receives the same message without error. Using plain speech can lead to misinterpretation, especially during emergencies. But a quick “Code 64” gets the point across instantly: an armed robbery is in progress, and backup may be needed.

Our platform exists to break these codes down for the public, offering free and easy-to-understand explanations. We’ve spent years researching and compiling police codes to create one of the most comprehensive databases online. Whether you’re just curious or preparing for a role in law enforcement, understanding codes like 64 helps you connect with how emergency services operate on a daily basis.

Listen to the 64 Police Code on Police Scanners

One of the best ways to learn more about police codes is to hear them in real use. The 64 Police Code—meaning Armed Robbery—can be picked up on police scanners when such incidents occur in your area. Radio scanners (or online scanner feeds) let you listen to dispatches and officer responses in real time, giving you firsthand insight into how crucial these codes are in coordinating emergency services.

Officers may use other codes alongside 64 as well, especially when a suspect is fleeing, there are injuries involved, or the crime just happened. These short but powerful codes form the backbone of every law enforcement radio exchange. By tuning in and understanding their meaning, you’re essentially learning the language of real-time policing.

History of the 64 Police Code and APCO Radio Signals

The origins of Police Code 64 go back to the early development of standardized radio communication. Between 1937 and 1940, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) introduced a system of Ten-Codes to help emergency personnel communicate faster and more clearly. These codes evolved from even earlier Morse code brevity systems that APCO proposed in 1935—adapted from U.S. Navy procedures for use in public safety contexts.

The codes were later expanded in 1974 to accommodate the increasing complexity of law enforcement tasks and radio traffic. Today, police codes like 64 continue to serve their original purpose—enabling officers to respond quickly, relay critical information without confusion, and work more efficiently under pressure.

Support, Sign-Offs, and the Culture Behind Police Codes

The 64 Police Code isn’t just a number—it represents a vital piece of a much larger puzzle that is law enforcement culture. For instance, when officers end their shift, they don’t just say “I’m done for the day.” Instead, they use official sign-offs like 10-7 (Out of Service) and 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty). These structured communications maintain a sense of order, discipline, and consistency throughout departments nationwide.

At All Police Codes, we provide all our content completely free of charge because we’re passionate about supporting public knowledge and honoring those in emergency services. To help fund this mission, we display ads across the site—allowing us to keep access open without subscriptions or fees.

We encourage you to explore further, especially if you’re interested in police work, criminal justice, or simply being more aware of what’s happening in your community. From 64 Police Code to dozens of others, our site is designed to make learning accessible, accurate, and engaging.

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