Every law enforcement agency uses codes and signals to communicate quickly and clearly. For anyone curious about the police code “39,” this blog explores what it means, how these codes vary by region, and why they matter for effective policing and public awareness.
Knowing the meanings behind common police codes can help you better understand emergency radio chatter, news reports, and even dramatic scenes in shows or movies. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, someone prepping for a career in law enforcement, or someone interested in local safety communications, this article will break down everything you need to know about police code 39.
Understanding Police Codes
Police codes (often referred to as “10-codes” or “signal codes”) are a shorthand used by officers and dispatchers to communicate succinctly over radios. These codes ensure clarity, reduce the risk of misinterpretation, and help keep sensitive details out of the public ear. Most people are familiar with clichés like “10-4” (message received) from pop culture, but there’s much more beneath the surface.
Quick Overview of Code Systems
- 10-Codes: Used for general communication (for example, “10-4” for acknowledgment).
- Numerical Codes: These include codes like “Code 39,” where numbers generally stand for specific incidents or statuses.
- Signal Codes: Sometimes used interchangeably, though they often refer to system-specific signals in some states.
The important thing to remember is that exact meanings can vary between municipalities, so it’s always smart to check your local jurisdiction’s standards.
What Does Police Code 39 Mean?
Here’s where things get specific and a bit nuanced. Police code 39 does not have a single universal meaning across all regions. Unlike standardized 10-codes, the meaning of “39” depends on your local or state law enforcement agency. Here are the two most common interpretations:
1. Code 39 as “Dead Animal”
Many law enforcement agencies in the United States, especially in the Midwest and South, use “code 39” to refer to a report or dispatch for a dead animal on the roadway. Officers or animal control are often required to investigate or remove the animal, as it can present hazards to drivers and the environment.
Example:
- Dispatcher: “Unit 212, code 39 at Main and 5th.”
- Officer: “10-4, en route to code 39.”
This version of code 39 is strictly for low-priority, non-emergency calls, typically handled by animal control unless the animal is obstructing traffic.
2. Code 39 as a Criminal Offense
Some police departments, particularly in California, assign code numbers to match specific penal code sections. California Penal Code 39 refers to “compulsion by threat against peace officer” and is rarely used conversationally, but may come up in paperwork or reports.
However, in practice, you’ll seldom hear “Code 39” used in this way over the radio. Always check your local penal code directories if you’re unsure.
3. Other Situations
Still, in some jurisdictions, “code 39” could mean something entirely different. For example:
- “Urgent message”
- “Wanted/stolen vehicle” (though this is less common)
- “Court order violation”
Key Takeaway: Always cross-reference the police code system for your area or consult with your local law enforcement website to confirm meanings.
Why Are Police Codes Used?
The Benefits
- Speed and Efficiency: Officers can communicate incidents in just a few words, speeding up response and coordination.
- Clarity Over Airwaves: Codes cut down on unnecessary chatter and reduce chances of miscommunication.
- Operational Security: Sensitive details (e.g., location of officers, type of crime) stay out of public ears, which may be crucial during in-progress investigations.
- Universal Within Regions: Local officers know their code system inside out, which standardizes communication even during tense encounters.
The Drawbacks
- Variety and Overlap: Since there is no universal police code 39 definition, confusion can arise if agencies work together or if civilians try to interpret scanner traffic from outside their area.
- Public Transparency: Some agencies are moving away from codes to “plain speak” (direct language) to improve public clarity, especially during joint incidents where misinterpretings can have consequences.
How Can You Find Out What Code 39 Means Locally?
If you want to know exactly what police code 39 means in your area:
- Check Official Police Department Resources: Many departments publish their radio codes online or provide guides.
- Ask Local Law Enforcement: Community events, ride-alongs, or outreach officers can clarify what specific codes refer to.
- Radio Scanner Community Forums: Enthusiasts often compile lists of codes used in metropolitan areas and share them online.
- Monitor News Reports: Local crime stories occasionally mention the meaning of specific police codes.
Related Police Codes and Their Common Meanings
To put Code 39 in context, here are a few frequently used codes by various police agencies:
- Code 4: No further assistance needed
- Code 6: Stay out of area
- Code 10-20: Location
- Code 187: Homicide (based on penal code section)
- Code 211: Robbery (based on penal code section)
- Code 415: Disturbance/fight (based on penal code section)
These numbers show up all over television and scanner feeds but beware of making assumptions about what each means locally.
When Might You Encounter Police Code 39?
- Over police scanners: Many citizens use online scanners for situational awareness in their neighborhood.
- Neighborhood watch groups: Reports may reference code numbers pulled from scanner feeds.
- Movies and TV: Sometimes the writers get it right and code 39 will refer to a specific event.
- Law enforcement trainings or reports: It may appear as shorthand in paperwork.
Can Civilians Use Police Codes?
Listening to police codes is legal in most areas, but using them without context can be misleading. If you decide to use an app or device to follow along, be sure to use the information responsibly.
- Don’t respond to or interfere with law enforcement scenes.
- Avoid sharing sensitive locations or details in real-time on social media.
- Use scanner information for general awareness, not to substitute for official news.
Improving Public Safety with Knowledge
Understanding police codes like 39 isn’t just for hobbyists. Staying informed helps communities build trust with local officers, reduce unnecessary worry during police activity, and increases your own safety.
- Stay alert during emergencies.
- Communicate clearly with neighbors using accurate terminology.
- Report issues confidently and accurately to emergency dispatchers.
Final Thoughts and Further Resources
The meaning of police code 39 can vary, but most commonly, it refers to a dead animal on the roadway. Always check your local police department’s code references and remember that communication is designed with officer safety, efficiency, and public security in mind.
Want to stay updated on local safety signals or prep for a future in law enforcement? Bookmark your local agency’s radio code sheet or consider community programs that offer deeper insight into public safety protocols.
Looking for more guides?
- [Local police department radio code lists]
- [Community policing events]
- [Law enforcement communications training]
You don’t have to be in uniform to benefit from understanding police codes. Stay curious, stay informed, and contribute to a safer community.