What Is a Code 37 Police Code? Code 37 Police Code

The Code 37 police code meaning for the police forces is Subject/Property Wanted.

The Code 37 police code is a commonly used signal in law enforcement that alerts officers to a “Subject or Property Wanted” status. When police personnel use Code 37, it typically means there is an individual or item—often a vehicle—that is flagged in a database as being wanted in connection to a criminal investigation, warrant, or report. This could involve anything from a stolen car to a suspect being sought for questioning or arrest.

So, what is Code 37 Police Code exactly in law enforcement communication? It’s a shorthand message that helps police units quickly and clearly understand that someone—or something—has been listed as wanted, which requires immediate verification and possible action. The moment a Code 37 is triggered, dispatchers and officers coordinate to confirm details through systems like the NCIC (National Crime Information Center), local law enforcement databases, or BOLOs (Be on the Lookout alerts).

Why the Code 37 Police Code Is Essential in Modern Policing

Understanding Code 37 police code usage is crucial for effective communication and fast response in the field. Law enforcement agencies use a system of numbered codes to simplify radio chatter, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure quick information exchange during high-pressure situations. A Code 37 is often associated with vehicle stops or when running plates through a database—if the system pings a match, it’s flagged with Code 37: Subject/Property Wanted.

For example, an officer might pull over a vehicle and request a license plate check. If the dispatcher replies with a Code 37, it means the vehicle has been reported stolen or is otherwise flagged, and the officer should proceed with caution and follow specific protocol. Similarly, if an officer encounters an individual during a stop and runs their ID, a Code 37 hit would indicate an active warrant or investigative interest.

Historical Context and the Importance of Police Codes Like Code 37

Police codes, including Code 37, were first introduced in the late 1930s as part of the APCO Ten Signals system, which aimed to create a universal and more efficient way for police officers to communicate over radios. This system was refined and widely adopted in the 1970s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). Over time, these numeric codes became an essential part of police procedure, streamlining everything from emergency response to routine checks.

While the exact codes may vary by state or jurisdiction, Code 37 remains widely recognized across many law enforcement agencies in the United States. Today, it’s an integral part of police scanners and dispatch communication, especially for units involved in patrol, traffic enforcement, and warrant execution.

What Is Subject/Property Wanted? Police Code for Subject/Property Wanted

When officers hear or use Code 37, they are referring to a wanted person or wanted property, which could include stolen items, flagged vehicles, or individuals with outstanding warrants. It’s one of the many concise codes that help keep police communication fast, focused, and efficient.

Whether you’re a curious citizen, a police scanner enthusiast, or someone looking to understand law enforcement lingo, knowing Code 37 police code and how it’s used can give you valuable insight into how modern police forces operate.

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

All Police Codes—Your Trusted Resource for the Code 37 Police Code and More

Welcome to All Police Codes, your ultimate and reliable source for understanding and exploring every police code used across the United States. Whether you’re looking to learn about the Code 37 Police Code or you’re diving deep into the full range of police communication signals used nationwide, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve built this website to serve as a complete, easy-to-navigate police codes guide to help you understand what each code means, how it’s used in real-life scenarios, and why it’s so vital to law enforcement communication.

Our dedicated team has spent years researching and compiling information about police codes and radio signals. These codes are essential for streamlining police operations and improving response times in emergency situations. Understanding codes like Code 37 Police Code, which signifies “Subject/Property Wanted,” can help the public better interpret scanner communications or news involving police activity.

Decoding the Code 37 Police Code—Subject or Property Wanted

The Code 37 Police Code is frequently used by law enforcement to indicate a situation where a person or property is flagged as wanted. It’s a critical communication tool that alerts officers and dispatchers to be on high alert. This code helps officers respond quickly and appropriately, whether they’re stopping a vehicle that matches a stolen car description or detaining a person with an outstanding warrant.

By using concise codes like Code 37, officers avoid miscommunication, save time during critical operations, and uphold public safety. You can even listen to live police radio communications using a scanner to hear Code 37 Police Code in real-world action.

How Police Codes like Code 37 Evolved and Why They Matter

Police codes, including Code 37 Police Code, have a fascinating history. The first standardized system of brevity codes was introduced between 1937 and 1940, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) launched the “APCO Ten Signals.” These were designed to improve the clarity and efficiency of radio communication for public safety agencies.

Interestingly, the roots of police radio codes go back even further. As early as 1935, APCO proposed brevity codes adapted from the U.S. Navy’s Morse Code symbols. Though initially created for Morse transmissions, these communication shortcuts evolved over the decades into the voice codes used today.

By 1974, the use of police codes became more widespread and formally integrated across departments, with adaptations for voice communication. Today, codes like Code 37 Police Code remain vital for clear and consistent law enforcement messaging, especially during high-stress and fast-moving situations.

Free Access to the Code 37 Police Code and All U.S. Police Codes

At All Police Codes, we believe in keeping this important information accessible. That’s why all the police code information on our website, including detailed breakdowns of codes like the Code 37 Police Code, is provided completely free of charge. We offer this resource because we are passionate about supporting law enforcement and helping the public understand how these essential codes work.

To help cover operational costs and keep the site running, we’ve included advertising, but access to our content remains 100% free. Whether you’re a student, researcher, journalist, first responder in training, or simply someone curious about police radio communication, you’ll find valuable insights on our site.

Code 37 Police Code in Context – One of Many Vital Communication Tools

While Code 37 Police Code plays a crucial role, it’s just one of many codes used every day by emergency personnel. Officers may use dozens of codes on any given shift, ranging from Code 3 (Emergency Response with Lights and Sirens) to Code 10 (Bomb Threat). One of the most symbolic codes occurs when an officer retires or ends their shift—they radio in with “10-7” (Out of Service) followed by “10-42” (End of Tour of Duty).

Understanding these codes builds awareness of how police communication operates behind the scenes. Whether you’re listening in via scanner, watching a true-crime show, or reading breaking news, knowing what Code 37 Police Code and others mean will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of public safety operations.

Discover more about Police Codes