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Ten-codes, officially known as ten signals, are brevity codes used to represent common phrases in voice communication, particularly by US public safety officials and in citizens band (CB) radio transmissions. The police version of ten-codes is officially known as the APCO Project 14 Aural Brevity Code.[ 1 ]
What does 10-4 mean? You may have heard 10-4 being used on those cop shows and haven't thought much about it. As it turns out, 10-4 is just one of a lengthy list of "10 codes" which is a system meant to make communication easier.
In order to communicate quickly, codes and signals have been developed to allow personnel to get their point across using the minimum of words. There are numerous variations of 10 codes (abbreviations used by public safety officials to describe various conditions) used throughout the country.
When you hear '10-4' in military slang, it's not just a casual expression – it's a succinct way to acknowledge received information, confirming understanding in high-stress communication environments. This phrase is part of a broader vocabulary developed by the military to guarantee clear and efficient communication.
Military radio uses phrases like 10-4, roger, and copy. These terms are used for clear communication. 10-4 means “I got your message” but doesn’t confirm understanding. Roger means “I got your message and understand it.” The copy asks for confirmation that the other person understood the message.
10-4 is one of the so-called ten-codes, or radio signals, invented by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). 10-4 is an affirmative signal: it means “OK.”
The Meaning Of 10-4. As we mentioned earlier, the meaning of 10-4 comes from the usage of the “ten code” which is what military personnel, law enforcement and other emergency services may use. The reason for this code is to provide confirmation.
“10-4,” meaning acknowledgment or okay, comes from the 10-Codes list that emergency personnel use to communicate with each other, commonly done over the radio. However, to understand 10-codes, you must first understand the background of the radio and Morse Code.
Given the paramilitary nature of police forces, some assume 10-4 and other 10-codes carried over from military use. But that’s not actually the case. 10-4 is not a formal military communication term. It originated specifically within law enforcement circles in the 1930s.
The phonetic alphabet, shortened words, and 10-4 codes all come together to create the complicated mix of lingo and jargon you might hear during your favorite action movie. Now you know how to understand exactly what they're saying.