There are several types of police and emergency scanners used by various first responders. It used to be the rage in the 80’s to have your very own police scanner in your home to monitor local emergencies. We had one.  But what I remembered about codes, you could put in a thimble and I’m sure there are many more these days, as life itself and certainly crime has become more complex.

One I do remember from TV was a show my Dad used to watch about emergency rooms. This one extremely handsome doctor was always diagnosing someone and giving them some D5W.  It was NEVER explained or identified.  My Dad loved to shout out, “Give ‘em some D5W!“and then laugh!

Here’s the mystery unveiled: Dextrose, is a simple sugar that is an important source of energy for humans, animals and other organisms. 5% in water(D5W). This medication is a solution given by vein (through an IV). It is used to supply water and calories to the body. Ha! Water with 5% simple sugar. It sounded so important after all.

It’s kind of the same situation with all of those cop shows with which we grew up – Adam 12, Cagney and Lacey, etc. All of these codes in pursuit of the bad guy. We heard about “the domestic,” which is never just an argument between a married couple anymore.

Depending upon the type of scanner, according to information from Radio Lab there are Police Scanner 10 and 11, 1-37 codes which appears to encompass various communication terms and types of police related emergencies, beginning with 200s-600s including various crimes , Code Blue, Red, Purple, Medical Codes  and still more 5 digit crimes.

So, let’s try this out!

I’ll send you a message in code using some of the terms listed. The first one to figure out the  two scenario and contact me with the correct message will have a chance at a future Shattered Lives Radio podcast! Yeah!

MESSAGE; 1) CODE 2, We have a possible 187 with a 10-33, 10-45C. Also 10-66 involved and 10-72. Approach Code 3.  10-4?

2) 10-23, We have a 505, probable 502, 10-29, Code 4

 

Police Scanner 1-37 Codes…

Code 2 Urgent – no light or siren
Code 3 Use lights and siren
Code 4 No further assistance needed
Code 5 Stakeout
Code 6 Stay out of area
Code 7 Meal break
Code 8 Restroom break
Code 9 Summer uniform
Code 10 SWAT pre-call up
Code 11 SWAT Call up
Code 37 Subject/Property wanted

187 Homicide

207 Kidnapping
207A Kidnapping attempt
211 Robbery
211A Robbery alarm
211S Robbery alarm, silent
217 Assault with intent to murder
240 Assault
242 Battery
245 Assault with a deadly weapon
246 Shooting at inhabited dwelling
261 Rape
261A Attempted rape
273A Child neglect
273D Wife beating – Felony
288 Lewd conduct
311 Indecent exposure
314 Indecent exposure
374B Illegal dumping
390 Drunk
390D Drunk, unconscious
415 Disturbance
417 Person with a gun
417A Person with a knife
459 Burglary
459A Burglar alarm
459S Burglar alarm, silent
470 Forgery
480 Hit and run – Felony
481 Hit and run – Misdemeanor
484 Petty theft
487 Grand theft
488 Petty theft
502 Drunk Driving
503 Auto theft
504 Tampering with a vehicle
505 Reckless driving
507 Public nuisance
510 Speeding or racing vehicles
586 Illegal parking
594 Malicious mischief
595 Runaway car
604 Throwing missiles
647 Lewd conduct
653M Threatening phone calls

 

References:  http://www.radiolabs.com/police-codes.html