Basic Police Radio Codes

The following codes may be used by law enforcement officers to communicate effectively over voice radio systems.

Code Description
Code 1 Non-urgent situation
Code 2 Urgent - Proceed immediately
Code 3 Emergency - Proceed immediately with lights and siren
Code 4 No further assistance required
Code 5 Stakeout - uniformed officers stay away
Code 6 Out of vehicle for investigation
Code 7 Out of service to eat
Code 8 Fire alarm
Code 9 Roadblock
Code 10 Bomb threat / Patrol your district and report extent of damage
Code 13 Major disaster activation
Code 14 Resume normal operation
Code 20 Notify news media to respond
Code 21 Jail emergency
Code 22 Restricted radio traffic
Code 30 Officer needs emergency assistance
Code 33 Clear radio channel - emergency traffic only
Code 37 Subject/Property wanted
Code 43 TAC forces committed
Code 100 In position to intercept suspect
Code 666 Country-wide emergency
Code Blue Bus/Cab in trouble
Code Purple Gang activity
Code Red VARDA alarm activated

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