Is anyone here a police officer or know about this kind of stuff?

[Killarney]

I'm writing a novel and in one scene a police officer is in his patrol car. I want the police radio to let him know that there is a disturbance (a fight) at a business down the street. However, I have no clue how this would actually be said on a police radio. Does the speaker ask for a specific car? Is there a code number or code name for this (a fight at a place of business)? Would they then give the address and then the police officer would say he's on his way? I want it to be accurate.

Thanks. :)

[theboss]

1. A lot of police stations will let you go on a patrol with a car one night

You may have to do it through a class or other program, but I've had friends ride shotgun with some officers in DC and Pittsburgh.

[theboss]

2. Duplicate

Delete

[liberalhistorian]

3. PM Cuban Liberal and ask

him, he used to be a cop.

[Streetdoc270]

4. Go to the Library

there is a book of all recognized '10' codes that are used by Police/Fire/Rescue

If I remember right a fight is a 10-72

The radio traffic would sound like this

Dispatch to car 12 respond to 10-72 in progress 123 north first st.

officer would respond with

Copy 10-17 (enroute)
Then they would check 10-23 (on scene)
and finally 10-24 (assignment complete)

Others
10-18 is officer needs assistance quick
10-50 Motor vehicle accident
10-52 Need Ambulance

[WritersBlock]

5. It'll vary from department to department.

Some use 10-codes, some use "signals," and some use a mixture of both. Taking TheBoss's advice and doing a ride-along would be your best bet for being able to write about it realistically.

[Blue Diadem]

6. Here's a website with info:

http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/polcodes.htm

If you know anyone with a police scanner, you will hear how the phrases are most commonly used.

[Corgigal]

7. most big dept have a digital system

inside the vehicles. The computer does a ding and the full screen pops up and you can read exactly what you're going to.

If you use that and it becomes a best seller, you owe me 1.50.

[Scout]

8. Cuban_Liberal is a former police officer

I do believe ... you could send a PM. He's got a thread on Lounge page 1 now!

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Former deputy sheriff here.

Although some departments use their own radio codes for security reasons, the standard '10-code' language you are lookin for would be as follows:

9-1-1- Dispatcher:

"3 Lincoln 14 (my personal identifier), 10-10 in progress (a fight) at Bozo Brothers Pizzeria, 123 Elm Sreet."

Me:

"Dispatch, 3 Lincoln 14 is 10-69 (I understand) and 10-76 (en route) to a 10-10 at that location. Please advise number of parties involved, status of any weapons and whether backup is also 10-76."

If you need a specific scenario, PM me, and I'll be glad to word it correctly for you.

:hi: