Understanding police codes can feel like trying to learn a new language. Whether you’ve heard “Code 43” on a police scanner, seen it in news reports, or just want to know more about law enforcement lingo, you’re in the right place. This blog breaks down what Police Code 43 means, where and how it’s used, and why police codes aren’t always the same from one department to another.
Get ready to decode police radio language and gain insight into how law enforcement communicates with efficiency and clarity.
What is Police Code 43?
Police radio codes, sometimes called “ten-codes” or “signal codes,” help officers communicate quickly and confidentially. But while there’s a common set of codes, many agencies across the United States use unique codes, meanings, and variations.
Police Code 43 most commonly refers to a “Stolen Vehicle.” When officers hear “43” or “10-43” on the police radio, they know to respond to or investigate the report of a stolen vehicle.
Example:
Dispatcher: “Unit 12, we’ve got a Code 43 at 9th and Maple.”
Officer: “Copy that, responding to a possible stolen vehicle.”
However, it’s vital to note that not all departments use “43” to mean “stolen vehicle.” Always check your local agency’s code listings for accuracy.
Why Police Use Codes Like 43
Police work relies on fast, exact communication. Radio codes:
- Keep messages short in fast-moving situations.
- Help prevent panic or confusion among the general public listening in.
- Protect sensitive details from being easily understood by non-police listeners.
For example, saying “Code 43” over the radio is much faster than saying “We have a report of a stolen vehicle on Main Street, please respond quickly.”
Common Uses of Code 43 and Related Radio Signals
Stolen Vehicle Reports
Most commonly, Code 43 is transmitted when dispatch receives a report about a stolen vehicle. Officers receiving a Code 43 call will:
- Respond to the location where the vehicle was last seen.
- Check registration details and VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers).
- Coordinate with other units in the area for a possible sighting or recovery.
Related Codes You Might Hear
Because police radio codes vary, you might hear other signals related to stolen vehicles:
- 10-44 – Sometimes used to mean “Permission to leave” (varies by region).
- Code 10 – Can mean a stolen vehicle in some metropolitan agencies.
- Signal 43 – Used in some states as an alternate code for stolen vehicles.
When monitoring a scanner or watching crime coverage, it’s useful to reference your region’s official police code chart.
How Police Radio Codes Differ by Agency
One of the most confusing things for the general public is that police codes are not truly universal. While the “10-Code” system was developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) in the 1930s, agencies have regularly modified the codes to fit their specific needs.
- APCO 10-Codes: The original “10-Code” system used numbers after “10” (e.g., 10-4, 10-43) to indicate specific messages.
- Local Variations: Many departments have added, removed, or changed code meanings. For example, “Code 43” can mean something entirely different in another county or state.
- Plain Language Trend: Some agencies are shifting away from codes and toward “plain speak” so mutual aid and multi-agency operations don’t get confused.
Tip:
Always check your local police department’s website or online resources if you want the most accurate list of radio signals in your area.
Why Do Police Codes Change?
The move away from the 10-code system began after tragic events such as Hurricane Katrina, where mutual aid departments from different places didn’t understand each other’s radio messages. The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA now encourage plain language for critical incidents.
However, local police codes (like Code 43) remain popular for everyday communications, especially for common criminal reports.
Popular Police Codes (Including 43) in the U.S.
While this blog focuses on Code 43, here are a few widely recognized radio codes for context:
|
Code |
Common Meaning |
|---|---|
|
10-4 |
Message received/OK |
|
10-7 |
Out of service |
|
10-20 |
Location |
|
Code 3 |
Respond with lights/siren |
|
Code 43 |
Stolen vehicle (in most regions) |
|
10-99 |
Wanted/stolen record |
Listening to Police Radios Legally
If you’re interested in hearing live police communications, use legal and reputable scanner apps or desktop sites. Always respect privacy laws and remember that intercepting encrypted transmissions is illegal.
What Happens After a Code 43 Call?
Once a Code 43 is reported and a vehicle is marked as stolen, law enforcement begins the recovery process:
- Dispatch sends notifications to nearby patrol units with the vehicle description and location.
- Officers canvass the area and check surveillance footage if available.
- Recovered vehicles are processed for evidence, dusted for fingerprints, and returned to the rightful owner if possible.
- Ongoing search (using databases like NCIC) to cross-check plates or VINs found during routine stops.
Decoding the Language of Law Enforcement
Understanding radio codes like Code 43 not only gives you insight into law enforcement procedures, but also illustrates the importance of clear, fast communication in emergency situations.
Whether you’re a journalism student, a security professional, or just a curious citizen, being able to decode police language is an asset. Just remember that radio codes can differ between agencies, and what you hear in one city may mean something completely different in another.
Where To Find Accurate Police Codes
If you want to dig deeper or need an official list, start here:
- Local police department websites often list codes and public information.
- City and county government sites can provide code charts.
- Scanner enthusiast forums and sites sometimes have crowdsourced lists, but always verify accuracy.
Key Takeaways and Resources for More
Police Code 43 almost always means “stolen vehicle” but always double-check with local resources. Police codes act as shorthand, making law enforcement communications faster and less prone to error. The more you know about these codes, the better you’ll understand what’s happening in your neighborhood or news broadcast.
Interested in mastering police codes or learning more about law enforcement communications?
- Explore your local department’s online resources.
- Try reputable scanner apps (like Broadcastify or Scanner Radio).
- Stay updated on changes in law enforcement communication policies.
Stay curious, stay informed, and remember that knowledge of police radio codes can keep you safer and more aware of your surroundings.