In an effort to enhance communications among first responders, the Virginia State Police have abandoned the use of "10-codes" in favor of plain-English radio responses.

Ten-codes are code words used primarily by law enforcement during radio transmissions to represent common phrases. For example, 10-4 means "affirmative," "ok," or "understood;" 10-9 means "repeat your message."

Ten-codes were developed decades ago, at a time when police radio channels were even more limited than they are now, to reduce the use of speech on the radio. Over the years, however, law enforcement agencies have each developed their own, unique set of 10-codes.

The proliferation of unique 10-codes has complicated efforts to achieve interoperable communications. In one city, 10-31 might mean "crime in progress," but in a neighboring city it might mean "stopping suspicious vehicle." It is easy to imagine the confusion unique 10-codes might pose during emergencies, where law enforcement from different agencies and jurisdictions need to communicate in order to coordinate their response.

While some in the law enforcement community might not be ready to abandon 10-codes, I say it's the right decision whose time has come. Hats off to the Virginia State Troopers, who are setting an example for other public safety agencies to make the concessions needed to achieve interoperability!

You can read more about the Virginia State Trooper's decision to ban the use of 10-codes here.