In the world of law enforcement, clear and efficient communication is paramount. Police officers use a variety of codes to relay information quickly and effectively during their operations. Among these numerous codes is 10-93, a specific signal that carries particular meaning in police radio communications. This article delves into what police code 10-93 means, its variations across different jurisdictions, and how it fits into the broader context of police communication systems.
Understanding Police Codes
Police codes, also known as ten-codes or radio codes, were developed in the early 20th century to simplify and standardize radio communications between law enforcement personnel. These codes allow officers to convey complex situations in brief, clear terms, reducing radio transmission time and providing a level of privacy from civilian radio scanners.
The “10” prefix in these codes originated from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), which established the Ten-Code system in 1937. While many codes are relatively standard, “local variations exist across different departments and jurisdictions,” leading to potential confusion when agencies need to communicate with each other.
What 10-93 Typically Means
In most police departments across the United States, code 10-93 typically refers to a “blockade” or “roadblock” situation. When an officer reports a “10-93” over the radio, they are typically communicating that they are establishing or requesting a roadblock to stop vehicles or suspects from leaving an area.
However, it’s important to note that this meaning is not universal. In some jurisdictions, 10-93 might carry a completely different meaning, such as:
- A report of a person down or injured
- A request for a tow truck
- Intoxicated/impaired driver
- Information request
For example, in the California Highway Patrol’s code system, 10-93 specifically refers to a “blockade” operation, while in other departments it might mean something entirely different.
Regional Variations of Police Code 10-93
The interpretation of code 10-93 varies significantly depending on location and department. Here’s how different regions might use this code:
New York Police Department
In the NYPD, 10-93 may be used to indicate a different situation altogether compared to other departments. Their specialized code system has evolved to meet the unique needs of policing in America’s largest city.
Southern States
Some police departments in southern states might use 10-93 to indicate an intoxicated driver or a situation involving alcohol-related offenses.
Western Jurisdictions
In certain western states, the code might be used to request specialized equipment or to report a particular type of emergency situation.
One police officer from Colorado noted, “We rarely use 10-93 in our department because we’ve moved to plain language communications, but when we do, it indicates a roadblock situation.”
The Move Toward Plain Language
In recent years, there has been a significant shift away from ten-codes toward what is known as “plain language” or “clear text” communications. This transition began in earnest after the 9/11 Commission Report highlighted communication problems between different agencies responding to the terrorist attacks.
The Department of Homeland Security has strongly encouraged all emergency services to adopt plain language protocols. The reasoning is simple: during multi-agency responses to major incidents, miscommunication due to different interpretations of codes can have dangerous consequences.
A veteran police dispatcher explains, “When multiple agencies respond to a major incident, one department’s 10-93 might mean something completely different to another department, creating dangerous confusion in critical moments.”
How Police Codes Are Used in Practice
When a police officer calls in a 10-93 (assuming it means roadblock in their jurisdiction), the process typically unfolds as follows:
- The officer identifies a need to prevent vehicle movement in a specific area
- They transmit “10-93” along with the location details to the dispatcher
- The dispatcher acknowledges and coordinates additional resources
- Other nearby units respond to assist in establishing the roadblock
- The roadblock is maintained until the situation is resolved
Police codes like 10-93 are designed to be concise yet comprehensive. A single code can communicate a complex tactical situation that would otherwise require lengthy explanation.
The History of Police Communication Codes
The ten-code system dates back to 1937 when it was developed to address the limitations of early police radios. At that time, radio technology was primitive by today’s standards, with limited battery life and channel capacity. Brevity was essential.
The APCO initially created just ten codes, but the system expanded over time to include dozens of standardized signals. However, as radio technology improved and communication needs evolved, many departments developed their own variations.
By the 1970s, most police departments had adopted some form of ten-code system, though with significant local modifications. This led to the current situation where code meanings vary widely between jurisdictions.
The Future of Police Codes
With the push toward plain language communications, the days of ten-codes may be numbered. Many departments have already abandoned or significantly reduced their use of these codes in favor of clear, direct language that can be understood across agency boundaries.
A police communications expert recently stated, “The future of law enforcement communication is moving toward standardized plain language that eliminates ambiguity and enhances cooperation between agencies.”
However, ten-codes remain deeply embedded in police culture, and many officers who have used them throughout their careers continue to find them efficient and useful for routine communications within their own departments.
Conclusion
Police code 10-93, typically indicating a roadblock or blockade situation, is just one of many codes used in law enforcement communications. While these codes have served an important purpose in police operations for decades, their inconsistent application across different jurisdictions has led to a gradual shift toward plain language communications.
Understanding these codes provides insight into how law enforcement agencies communicate and coordinate their activities, though civilians should remember that codes may vary significantly between departments. If you hear a police code being used, its meaning is specific to the jurisdiction you’re in.
As one police communications trainer put it, “The goal of any communication system, whether code-based or plain language, is to ensure that critical information gets where it needs to go quickly, clearly, and securely.” Whether that happens through ten-codes or direct language, the priority remains the same: effective communication that supports public safety.