Police codes, also known as ten-codes or radio codes, are a critical component of law enforcement communication. These codes allow officers to convey information quickly and efficiently over radio channels. Among these codes, “10-96” has a specific meaning that relates to mental health situations. Understanding this code provides insight into how police handle some of the most sensitive encounters they face in their line of duty.
The Definition of Police Code 10-96
Police code 10-96 typically refers to a “mentally ill person” or a “mental health subject.” This code is used when officers encounter an individual who appears to be suffering from a mental health crisis or displaying behavior that suggests mental illness. The exact definition can vary slightly between departments, as police codes aren’t universally standardized across all jurisdictions.
When a dispatcher relays a “10-96” call to officers, it immediately alerts them that they may be dealing with someone who requires special consideration and possibly a different approach than standard police procedures. This advance warning is crucial for officer preparation and safety.
The History and Evolution of Police Codes
Police ten-codes originated in the 1930s and became widespread by the 1940s. They were initially developed to:
- Keep radio transmissions brief
- Add a layer of privacy to police communications
- Standardize messages for clarity
The code “10-96” emerged as part of this system, specifically addressing situations involving individuals with mental health issues – a circumstance officers have always encountered but which has gained more attention and specialized response protocols in recent decades.
Over time, these codes have evolved, with many departments modifying them to suit their specific needs. Some jurisdictions have even moved away from ten-codes toward “plain language” communications, especially after events like 9/11 highlighted the problems that can arise when emergency responders from different agencies use different code systems.
How Officers Respond to a 10-96 Call
When responding to a “10-96” call, officers typically approach the situation with heightened awareness and specialized tactics. The response generally includes:
- Sending officers with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training when available
- Using de-escalation techniques designed specifically for mental health crises
- Speaking in calm, clear tones while avoiding confrontational language
- Creating distance when possible to give the individual space
- Removing stimuli that might agitate the person
- Calling for mental health professionals to assist when available
Many departments now have specialized units or partnerships with mental health professionals who can respond alongside officers to 10-96 calls. These co-responder models have shown promising results in helping individuals in crisis get appropriate care rather than simply being arrested.
The Importance of Proper Mental Health Response Training
The way officers respond to a “10-96” code has evolved significantly over recent decades. There’s been growing recognition that traditional police tactics may not be effective—or appropriate—when dealing with someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Modern police training increasingly includes specialized modules on mental illness, with many officers receiving Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. This 40-hour program teaches officers to:
- Recognize signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses
- Understand the difference between threatening behavior and symptoms of mental illness
- Use verbal de-escalation techniques
- Connect individuals with appropriate community resources
- Reduce unnecessary arrests and use of force in mental health encounters
Studies have shown that departments with robust CIT programs tend to have better outcomes in 10-96 situations, including fewer injuries to both officers and subjects, and more diversions to mental health services instead of jails.
Regional Variations in Code 10-96
While “10-96” commonly refers to a mentally ill person in many jurisdictions, it’s important to note that police codes are not nationally standardized. In some departments:
- 10-96 might refer to something completely different
- A different code might be used for mental health calls
- No numerical codes might be used at all, with plain language being preferred
For example, some departments might use:
- “10-56” for mental cases
- “10-16” for domestic disturbances involving mental illness
- “5150” (in California) referring to the welfare code allowing for involuntary psychiatric holds
This variation highlights why many emergency services have been moving toward plain language communications, which reduce confusion when multiple agencies respond to the same incident.
Mental Health Calls and Community Resources
When officers respond to a “10-96” call, the outcome doesn’t always involve arrest. Increasingly, police departments are developing alternative pathways for resolution, including:
- Mobile crisis teams that pair officers with mental health professionals
- Psychiatric emergency response teams that can provide on-scene assessment
- Diversion programs that connect individuals with treatment instead of jail
- Community-based follow-up to ensure continued care after the immediate crisis
These approaches recognize that many 10-96 calls involve individuals who need medical assistance rather than criminal processing. Modern policing increasingly views these situations through a public health lens rather than solely as law enforcement matters.
The Future of Police Response to Mental Health Crises
The concept of code “10-96” and how police respond to mental health calls continues to evolve. Current trends include:
- Increased funding for specialized mental health response units
- Greater integration between police and mental health systems
- Enhanced training for all officers in mental health crisis response
- In some communities, non-police responders for certain mental health calls
These changes reflect a growing understanding that traditional police responses may not always be the most effective approach to mental health crises. Some jurisdictions are exploring models where mental health professionals take the lead on these calls, with police serving in a backup capacity only when safety issues arise.
Conclusion
Police code “10-96” represents much more than just a shorthand radio communication. It reflects the complex intersection between law enforcement and mental health care in our communities. As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, so too does the way police departments respond to these sensitive situations.
For officers, recognizing a call as a 10-96 situation provides crucial context that can help them respond appropriately, potentially saving lives and connecting vulnerable individuals with the care they need. For communities, understanding this code offers insight into how police work to address mental health crises—an increasingly important aspect of modern policing that continues to develop and improve.
As police departments nationwide work to refine their approaches to mental health response, the meaning behind code “10-96” serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges officers face and the need for specialized, compassionate responses to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.