In the complex world of law enforcement, communication is paramount. Officers rely on a specific set of codes to relay information quickly and efficiently during their duties. Among these codes, “10-91b” stands as an important signal that carries significant meaning in police operations. Whether you’re a curious citizen, aspiring law enforcement officer, or simply someone fascinated by police procedures, understanding these codes provides insight into how our protectors communicate in the field.
The Origin of Police Codes
Police codes, often referred to as “ten codes” or “ten signals,” date back to the 1930s when radio communication became standard in police work. Initially developed to reduce the use of speech on radio channels and provide a form of shorthand, these codes have evolved over decades to become an integral part of law enforcement communication.
The Illinois State Police first standardized these codes in 1937, and their usage spread across the United States in the years that followed. Each code begins with “10-” followed by numbers that correspond to specific situations, conditions, or instructions.
As one veteran officer explained, “Ten codes were our secret language before everyone had internet access to look them up.”
While many of these codes remain consistent across jurisdictions, it’s important to note that variations exist from one department to another, creating occasional confusion when agencies need to work together during large-scale emergencies.
Decoding 10-91b: Animal-Related Call
The police code “10-91b” specifically refers to an animal-related call with a particular specification. Breaking it down:
- 10-91: The base code indicating an animal-related situation
- b: A modifier that specifies the type or condition of the animal situation
In most jurisdictions, “10-91b” specifically means “Animal – Vicious” — indicating that officers are responding to a report of a dangerous or aggressive animal that poses a potential threat to public safety.
This code alerts responding officers that they may encounter a hostile animal situation requiring special precautions, appropriate equipment, or specific training to handle safely.
When 10-91b Gets Called
The circumstances that prompt a “10-91b” call can vary widely, but typically include:
- Reports of aggressive dogs roaming neighborhoods
- Wild animals showing unusual or threatening behavior in residential areas
- “Potentially rabid animals” exhibiting symptoms of disease
- Animals that have already attacked or injured people or other animals
- Situations where animal control assistance may be required alongside police presence
A police dispatcher might relay information such as: “Unit 14, respond to 10-91b at Oak Street and 5th Avenue. Reports of an aggressive pit bull cornering pedestrians.”
This concise communication immediately conveys the nature of the situation while alerting officers to potential dangers.
How Officers Respond to 10-91b Calls
When officers receive a “10-91b” call, their response follows specific protocols designed to ensure safety for the public, the officers themselves, and when possible, the animal involved.
Initial Approach
Officers approach these situations with caution, understanding that vicious animals present unpredictable threats. Their initial assessment includes:
- Securing the perimeter to prevent the animal from fleeing to other areas
- Keeping civilians at a safe distance
- Observing the animal’s behavior for signs of disease or injury
- Determining if the animal is domestic (potentially with an owner) or wild
“Your first priority is always scene containment,” explains former K-9 officer Mark Reynolds. “An aggressive animal situation can escalate quickly if the animal feels cornered or threatened.”
Coordination with Animal Control
In most jurisdictions, police officers work closely with animal control specialists when handling “10-91b” situations. This partnership leverages specialized equipment and training that animal control officers possess, including:
- Catch poles
- Tranquilizer equipment
- Species-specific handling techniques
- Transport cages and vehicles
When animal control isn’t immediately available, police officers must rely on their training to manage the situation temporarily. This might involve using barriers, deterrents, or in extreme cases, lethal force if human life is directly threatened.
Regional Variations in 10-91b Code
While “10-91b” commonly refers to vicious animals across many jurisdictions, it’s important to acknowledge that code meanings can vary between departments. Some regional variations include:
- In certain counties, “10-91b” might specifically indicate a dog bite incident
- Some departments use it to indicate an injured animal requiring assistance
- A few jurisdictions use numerical modifiers differently, where “b” might be replaced by “2” or another designation
This variation highlights why standardization efforts like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) have encouraged plain language communication during multi-agency responses.
The Evolution of Police Codes in Modern Policing
In recent years, many police departments have begun transitioning away from ten codes toward plain language communication. This shift recognizes several important factors:
- The inconsistency of codes between jurisdictions creates confusion during mutual aid scenarios
- Modern radio systems have greater capacity, reducing the need for brevity
- Plain language reduces misunderstandings in high-stress situations
- Transparency with the public, who increasingly monitor police communications
However, codes like “10-91b” remain ingrained in police culture and continue to be used in many departments nationwide. Their efficiency and familiarity ensure they’ll likely remain part of law enforcement communication for years to come.
As one police communications specialist noted, “Even as we move toward plain language protocols, these codes are part of our heritage. Officers who’ve used them for decades can process that information faster than any alternative.”
Citizen Awareness and Public Safety
For the general public, understanding codes like “10-91b” serves several practical purposes:
- It helps interpret police scanner traffic for those who monitor emergency communications
- It provides context when witnessing police response to animal incidents
- It encourages appropriate reporting when encountering dangerous animal situations
When reporting potentially dangerous animals to emergency services, being specific about the nature of the threat helps dispatchers assign the appropriate response code and resources.
Conclusion
The police code “10-91b” represents more than just a shorthand communication tool—it embodies the preparedness and structured response that law enforcement brings to potentially dangerous animal encounters. While it may seem like insider jargon, these codes form part of the essential framework that helps officers protect communities efficiently.
As police communications continue to evolve in the digital age, understanding these traditional codes provides a window into the methodical and organized world of law enforcement operations. Whether “10-91b” remains in active use or eventually gives way to plain language alternatives, its purpose of quickly alerting officers to animal-related dangers ensures that communities stay safer through clear, effective communication.