Have you ever been listening to a police scanner or watching a crime drama and heard officers using numbered codes that sound like a secret language? Police codes can seem mysterious to civilians, but they serve a crucial purpose in law enforcement communication. Today, we’re diving deep into one specific code that might have caught your attention: “11-85.”
Understanding Police Communication Codes
Before we explore what 11-85 specifically means, it’s important to understand why police departments use numbered codes in the first place. These codes, often called “ten codes” or “eleven codes,” were developed to make radio communication faster, clearer, and more secure.
Think about it from an officer’s perspective: during an emergency, every second counts. Instead of saying “I need backup immediately because there’s an armed suspect who has barricaded himself in a building,” an officer can simply transmit a specific code that conveys the same urgent information in a fraction of the time.
The use of codes also helps maintain some level of operational security. While scanner enthusiasts and criminals may learn these codes over time, they create an initial barrier that prevents casual listeners from immediately understanding sensitive police operations.
What Police Code 11-85 Actually Means
So, what does “11-85” mean? This code typically refers to a “burglary in progress” or “breaking and entering currently occurring.” When an officer transmits 11-85, they’re alerting dispatch and other units that they’re responding to an active burglary situation where the suspect may still be on scene.
This is significantly different from a burglary report, where the crime has already occurred and the suspects have fled. The “in progress” nature of code 11-85 means there’s potential for the officer to apprehend the suspect if they respond quickly enough.
The urgency level associated with 11-85 is considerable. It’s not quite as high-priority as codes involving immediate threats to life, but it requires rapid response because evidence is fresh, witnesses may still be present, and there’s a real possibility of catching the perpetrator in the act.
Variations Across Different Departments
Here’s where things get interesting: police codes aren’t standardized nationwide. What means “burglary in progress” in one department might mean something completely different in another. Some departments use 11-85 for burglary in progress, while others might use different numerical combinations entirely.
For example, one police department might use “459 in progress” (referencing the California Penal Code section for burglary), while another uses “10-31” for the same situation. This variation exists because different regions developed their own coding systems independently over the decades.
This lack of standardization has actually created challenges for law enforcement, particularly when multiple agencies need to coordinate during major incidents or disasters. That’s one reason why many departments have moved toward “plain English” communications in recent years.
The Response Protocol for Code 11-85
When code 11-85 goes out over police radio, it triggers a specific response protocol. The first unit on scene typically conducts an immediate perimeter check to see if suspects are still in the area. They’ll look for signs of forced entry, broken windows, or other evidence of how the burglar gained access.
Additional units are usually dispatched to assist, particularly if it’s a large building or if the suspect might still be inside. Officers will often “contain and call out” rather than immediately entering the building, especially if they suspect the burglar might be armed or dangerous.
The responding officers will also coordinate with dispatch to contact the property owner or business manager, gather information about what might have been taken, and collect witness statements from anyone who may have seen the suspects.
Why This Code Matters to the Public
Understanding what 11-85 means can be valuable for ordinary citizens in several ways. If you’re listening to police scanner apps and hear this code mentioned for your neighborhood, you’ll know that there’s active criminal activity nearby and can take appropriate precautions.
More importantly, if you ever witness a burglary in progress and call 911, understanding how seriously police treat these calls can help you provide better information to dispatch. They’ll want to know if you can still see the suspects, what they look like, whether they have vehicles, and which direction they’re headed.
Your observations could be the difference between officers arriving to an empty scene versus catching the suspects red-handed.
The Evolution of Police Communications
Police codes like 11-85 represent just one piece of law enforcement’s complex communication evolution. While these numerical codes served departments well for decades, many agencies are transitioning to clearer communication methods.
The push toward “plain English” communication stems from several factors: the need for better inter-agency cooperation, clearer communication during high-stress situations, and improved public transparency. When officers say “burglary in progress” instead of “11-85,” there’s less room for misunderstanding.
However, codes like 11-85 still persist in many departments because officers are familiar with them, they’re faster to transmit, and they’ve become part of law enforcement culture.
How Technology Is Changing Police Communication
Modern police communication extends far beyond radio codes. Today’s officers use mobile data terminals, text messaging systems, and sophisticated dispatch software that can convey complex information instantly.
Digital communication allows officers to receive building layouts, suspect photos, and real-time updates without cluttering radio frequencies with lengthy transmissions. This technological evolution doesn’t eliminate the need for codes like 11-85, but it does supplement them with richer, more detailed information.
Conclusion
Police code 11-85, typically meaning “burglary in progress,” represents an important piece of law enforcement’s communication toolkit. While the specific meaning may vary between departments, understanding these codes helps bridge the gap between police operations and public awareness.
Whether you’re a curious citizen trying to understand police scanner chatter or someone interested in law enforcement procedures, knowing what 11-85 means provides insight into how officers prioritize and respond to different types of crimes. As police communication continues evolving with technology and changing protocols, these traditional codes remain a fascinating window into law enforcement culture and operational efficiency.