What Is a 647b Police Code? 647b Police Code

The 647b police code meaning for the police forces is Prostitution.

If you’ve ever wondered, what is 647b police code, you’re not alone. The 647b police code is a part of the California Penal Code and specifically refers to the criminal offense of prostitution. This legal code is used by law enforcement officers throughout California to identify and report incidents involving the solicitation or engagement in prostitution.

The Meaning of the 647b Police Code

Under California Penal Code Section 647(b), it is illegal for any person to solicit or agree to engage in, or who engages in, an act of prostitution. The 647b code serves as a quick and clear shorthand for officers to communicate this type of offense over radio, in reports, or in legal documentation.

Prostitution, in this context, is defined as the exchange of sexual acts for money or other compensation. Both the person offering and the person seeking such services can be charged under the 647b police code. Penalties can include arrest, fines, mandatory education programs, or even jail time, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.

The History of Police Codes: From APCO to Penal Code 647

Police radio codes were originally introduced in 1937 as part of the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) Ten Signals. These short codes were designed to allow police officers and dispatchers to communicate quickly, clearly, and discreetly. Over time, these radio signals evolved into more specific penal codes, such as 647b, which are now standard in law enforcement across California.

These shorthand codes help officers avoid miscommunication, especially during high-pressure situations. They also help preserve a level of discretion when discussing sensitive crimes like prostitution.

Why Knowing the 647b Police Code Matters

Understanding the 647b police code meaning is important not only for those interested in law enforcement, but also for members of the public who want to stay informed about local laws and how they’re enforced. Whether you’re studying for a criminal justice exam, preparing for a role in law enforcement, or simply curious about how police communication works, knowing what 647b police code stands for can help demystify the legal process.

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All Police Codes – Your Ultimate Guide to U.S. Police Radio Codes and Signals

Welcome to All Police Codes, your go-to online resource for learning, understanding, and exploring the full list of police radio codes used across the United States. Whether you’re a civilian, law enforcement enthusiast, student, or aspiring officer, our comprehensive guide to U.S. police codes is designed to help you discover the meaning and background behind the communication signals used by emergency forces nationwide.

One of the most searched codes on our site is the 647b Police Code, and we’ve made it easy to understand what it means, where it’s used, and how it fits into the broader framework of law enforcement communication. But that’s just the beginning—our website covers hundreds of police codes, their definitions, usage scenarios, and historical background.

What Are Police Codes?

Police codes, also known as radio codes or ten-codes, are a standardized set of numerical signals used by police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel to communicate quickly and efficiently over radio systems. These codes help reduce misunderstandings and keep sensitive or complex information concise and secure.

For example, one of the most widely recognized police codes is 10-7, which indicates an officer is out of service, and 10-42, signifying the end of an officer’s shift or final call before retirement. These codes are more than just numbers—they carry tradition, clarity, and emotional weight in the world of public safety.

Learn More About 647b and Other U.S. Police Codes

The 647b Police Code, specifically, refers to solicitation or prostitution under the California Penal Code. It’s an important code used frequently in urban and high-traffic areas and is just one of many entries in our fully researched and updated police code directory. You can even listen to live police radio scanners to hear codes like 647b in action.

Decades of Research and Passion for Law Enforcement Communication

Our dedicated team at All Police Codes has spent years researching the history and evolution of police signals. These codes, first introduced between 1937 and 1940 and later expanded in 1974 by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), were created to help emergency responders communicate effectively and securely. The early codes were even adapted from U.S. Navy Morse code symbols and have since evolved into the voice-based ten-codes we know today.

Why We Built This Free Police Code Database

We built All Police Codes out of our love for public safety, emergency communications, and the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities. All information on this site is available 100% free of charge for educational and informational purposes. To help cover our operational and maintenance costs, we’ve included a few non-intrusive ads across the website.

Use Our Website as a Police Code Reference Tool

Whether you’re preparing for a law enforcement exam, looking to understand scanner traffic, or simply interested in the language of first responders, our site provides an easy-to-navigate platform with regularly updated code definitions, historical insights, and scanner access links. Bookmark us for quick reference whenever you hear a police code or want to decode a dispatch call.

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