In the complex world of law enforcement, communication is everything. Police officers rely on a variety of codes and signals to relay important information quickly and efficiently. Among these numerous codes, “10-35” stands as one particularly significant signal that carries serious implications whenever it’s used. But what exactly does this code mean, and why is it important for both law enforcement and civilians to understand its significance?
The Language of Law Enforcement
Police departments across the United States utilize what’s commonly known as “ten codes” or “ten signals” – a system of coded communication developed in the 1930s to help officers communicate important information concisely over radio channels. These codes were originally created to reduce the use of speech on radio systems when bandwidth was limited and to provide a level of privacy when communicating sensitive information.
While many police departments have begun transitioning to plain language communications in recent years, ten codes remain deeply ingrained in law enforcement culture and continue to be used widely.
What 10-35 Actually Means
“10-35” is a police code that typically refers to a major crime alert. Specifically, it often indicates a crime in progress that requires immediate attention, such as an armed robbery, a hostage situation, or another serious violent offense.
When an officer radios in with a “10-35,” it immediately signals to dispatch and other officers that a serious situation is unfolding that requires prompt response and potentially additional resources. This code essentially triggers an escalated response protocol within the department.
It’s worth noting that while this interpretation is common, police codes can vary between jurisdictions. In some departments, 10-35 might have a slightly different meaning, such as specifically referring to a burglary in progress or another particular type of crime. This variability is one reason why many departments have begun moving toward standardized plain language.
The Historical Context of Police Codes
The ten-code system was developed by Illinois State Police Communications Director Charles Hopper in 1937. The system was designed to address the limitations of early police radio technology, when brief transmissions were necessary due to technical constraints.
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) later expanded and standardized these codes, though regional variations have always existed. The 10-35 code, along with other emergency codes like 10-33 (emergency) and 10-32 (person with gun), became essential parts of police communication.
During the mid-20th century, as police departments nationwide adopted radio communication, these codes became the standard method for officers to quickly relay information while maintaining a level of operational security. Civilians couldn’t easily understand what was being communicated, which provided law enforcement with a tactical advantage.
When 10-35 Is Used in the Field
When would an officer actually use the 10-35 code? Here are some typical scenarios:
- An officer witnesses an armed robbery in progress at a bank or store
- During patrol, an officer observes a violent assault occurring
- A call comes in about a hostage situation unfolding
- A home invasion is reported with suspects still on the premises
- A carjacking or violent theft is happening in real-time
In these situations, time is critical. Using the concise “10-35” code allows officers to communicate the nature of the emergency without lengthy explanations, potentially saving precious seconds when lives may be at stake.
The officer might radio: “Dispatch, I have a 10-35 at First National Bank on Main Street,” immediately conveying to all listening units that a major crime is in progress at that location.
The Response to a 10-35 Call
When a 10-35 code is called in, it triggers a specific response protocol:
- Multiple units are typically dispatched immediately to the location
- Available officers in the vicinity will redirect to provide backup
- Specialized units such as SWAT may be put on standby depending on the situation
- Supervisors and command staff are notified
- Neighboring jurisdictions might be alerted if the situation could spill over into their territory
The severity of a 10-35 call means that it takes priority over most other police activities. Officers handling routine matters will often abandon those tasks to respond to the more urgent 10-35 situation.
Why Public Understanding Matters
While police codes are primarily for internal communication, there’s value in public awareness of what codes like 10-35 mean. Understanding these codes can help citizens:
- Better comprehend police scanner activity during emergencies
- Recognize the severity of a situation if they overhear radio communications
- Understand why multiple police units might suddenly converge on an area
- Have deeper insight into how law enforcement prioritizes and responds to different types of incidents
For journalists covering crime stories, knowing that a 10-35 was called can provide context about the nature of the police response and the seriousness of the incident.
The Shift Toward Plain Language
Following communication failures during major disasters like the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, many emergency services began moving away from coded language toward “plain speech” protocols. The Department of Homeland Security has actively encouraged this transition to improve clarity across different agencies during multi-jurisdictional responses.
Today, instead of saying “10-35,” an officer might simply state, “Armed robbery in progress” or “Violent crime occurring now.” This change eliminates potential confusion when officers from different jurisdictions work together, as codes can vary significantly between departments.
Nevertheless, the ten-code system remains deeply embedded in police culture, and many departments continue to use these codes for day-to-day operations. The 10-35 code, with its indication of a serious crime in progress, continues to serve as an important alert that demands immediate attention.
Conclusion
The police code 10-35 represents more than just a numerical sequence—it’s a call to action that signals a serious crime in progress requiring immediate response. While police departments increasingly embrace plain language communications, understanding these traditional codes provides valuable insight into law enforcement operations and priorities.
Whether heard over a police scanner, referenced in news coverage, or depicted in police procedural dramas, the 10-35 code stands as a reminder of the urgent, often dangerous situations that law enforcement officers regularly confront in their mission to protect and serve.