When listening to police scanners or watching law enforcement shows, you might hear officers using various numerical codes to communicate efficiently. Among these codes is “10-91d”, which has a specific meaning in police radio communications. This article explores the meaning of police code 10-91d, its significance in law enforcement operations, and how it fits into the broader context of police radio codes.
Understanding Police Radio Codes
Police radio codes, also known as ten-codes or ten-signals, were developed in the 1930s to provide clear, concise communication between law enforcement officers and dispatchers. These codes allow for quick transmission of information while reducing the amount of time spent on radio channels.
The “10” prefix indicates that the message is part of the standardized code system, while the numbers that follow specify the particular message or situation. These codes vary somewhat between jurisdictions, as there isn’t a completely universal standard across all law enforcement agencies in the United States or internationally.
What 10-91d Specifically Means
In most police departments that use this particular code, “10-91d” refers to an animal-related call – specifically, a dead animal. The “d” suffix typically stands for “dead,” differentiating it from other animal-related codes.
When broken down:
- 10-91 generally indicates an animal complaint or situation
- 10-91d specifically refers to a dead animal that requires attention
Officers might be dispatched with this code when there’s a dead animal on a roadway that presents a traffic hazard, when an animal carcass needs to be removed from public property, or when there’s a need to investigate potential animal cruelty resulting in death.
Variations of Animal-Related Codes
The 10-91 code family typically includes several variations that address different animal situations:
- 10-91 – Basic animal complaint
- 10-91a – Vicious animal
- 10-91b – Noisy animal (barking dog, etc.)
- 10-91c – Injured animal
- 10-91d – Dead animal
- 10-91v – Animal bite victim
It’s important to note that not all departments use these exact variations, and some may have their own specific modifications to the code system.
Why Dead Animal Reports Matter
While a dead animal report might seem low-priority compared to other police calls, these situations can present significant concerns for public safety and health:
-
Traffic hazards – Dead animals on roadways can cause accidents as drivers swerve to avoid them or become distracted.
-
Public health concerns – Animal remains can pose health risks through disease transmission, particularly in urban or suburban areas.
-
Potential evidence of crimes – In some cases, a dead animal might indicate illegal activity such as poaching, animal cruelty, or even poisoning attempts.
-
Wildlife management – Tracking animal deaths can provide important data for wildlife management and conservation efforts.
When a “10-91d” call comes in, dispatchers typically need to determine who should respond. In some jurisdictions, animal control services handle these calls, while in others, particularly during off-hours, police officers may respond first.
How Officers Respond to a 10-91d Call
When officers receive a “10-91d” call, their response typically follows these steps:
-
Assessment: Officers first assess the situation upon arrival. They determine what type of animal is involved, the condition of the remains, and whether there are any immediate safety hazards.
-
Traffic management: If the dead animal is on a roadway, officers may need to direct traffic or set up temporary barriers while the remains are removed.
-
Agency notification: Depending on the situation, officers might need to contact:
- Animal control services
- Highway department
- Wildlife management agencies (especially for protected species)
- Health department (in cases of multiple deaths that might indicate disease)
-
Documentation: If there’s any indication of criminal activity, officers will document the scene and may collect evidence.
-
Removal coordination: Finally, officers ensure that the appropriate agency is notified for removal of the animal remains.
The Evolution of Police Codes
Police radio codes have evolved significantly since their inception. Many departments have moved away from extensive code systems in favor of plain language communications, especially after challenges during multi-agency responses to major disasters where different agencies used different code meanings.
The Department of Homeland Security has actually recommended using plain language rather than codes to ensure clear communication during emergencies involving multiple agencies. However, many departments still maintain the use of traditional ten-codes for everyday operations, including animal-related calls like “10-91d”.
Regional Variations in Police Codes
It’s worth emphasizing that police codes are not universally standardized across all jurisdictions. What “10-91d” means in one department might have a completely different meaning in another, though animal-related interpretations are among the most common for the 10-91 series.
Some departments might use different numerical systems entirely, such as:
- Signal codes (Signal 7, etc.)
- Code systems (Code 2, Code 3, etc.)
- Penal code references
This variation is why scanning enthusiasts and civilians interested in police communications often need to research the specific codes used in their local jurisdictions.
Modern Alternatives to Radio Codes
With the advancement of digital communication technologies, many police departments have supplemented or even replaced traditional radio codes with:
- Mobile data terminals that allow officers to receive detailed information without radio transmission
- Encrypted digital radio systems that provide more security for sensitive communications
- Computer-aided dispatch systems that can send detailed information directly to officers
Despite these technological advances, radio codes like “10-91d” remain in use in many departments due to their efficiency and the institutional familiarity officers have with them.
Conclusion
Police code “10-91d” typically refers to a dead animal report that requires law enforcement attention. While it might seem minor compared to other emergency calls, these situations can present legitimate public safety concerns and occasionally indicate more serious issues requiring investigation.
Understanding police codes provides insight into how law enforcement communicates and prioritizes responses to various situations in their communities. While the trend is moving toward plain language communications, traditional codes continue to serve an important role in efficient police radio traffic.
Whether you’re a scanning enthusiast, someone interested in law enforcement operations, or simply curious about a code you heard, knowing that “10-91d” generally refers to a dead animal helps decode one small piece of the complex language of police communications.