🔊 Understanding Police Radio Codes: What Do They Really Mean?
🎥 Watch the Full Video Breakdown
If you’ve ever listened to a police scanner and felt like officers were speaking another language, you’re not alone. Between 10-codes, penal codes, and local dispatch lingo, it’s easy to get lost. This post — and the video above — will help you make sense of it all.
📥 Download the Free Police Radio Code Cheat Sheet
Want to decode police scanner traffic like a pro?
👉 Download the FREE Sacramento Police Scanner Code Cheat Sheet
This free resource gives you a quick reference for common codes so you’ll know exactly what’s happening in real time — whether you’re a livestream viewer, journalist, or just curious about law enforcement communication.
🚨 What Are Police Radio Codes?
Police use radio codes to quickly and clearly communicate over the radio. These codes:
Save time in emergencies
Maintain clarity in high-stress situations
Help conceal sensitive information from the public
There are multiple types of radio codes:
10-Codes (like 10-4 = acknowledged, 10-33 = emergency)
Penal Codes (like 211 = robbery, 187 = homicide)
Local agency codes, which can vary city to city
📡 What Scanner Should You Use?
To follow scanner traffic clearly, you need a reliable device. I personally use the Uniden SDS100 handheld scanner — it’s one of the most powerful and easy-to-program scanners on the market today.
👉 Get the Uniden SDS100 on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3A56BUz
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔴 Watch My Live Sacramento Police & Fire Scanner Streams
Want to see how police codes play out in real time?
I livestream daily scanner activity, including crime scenes, fire responses, and breaking news — all decoded and explained as it happens.
👉 Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/@LanceThePI
🔔 Subscribe to get notified when I go live!
📚 More Free Resources for Law Enforcement Enthusiasts
✅ Download the Free Police Radio Code Cheat Sheet
✅ Check out my Private Investigator Gear & Resources
✅ Join my Email List for Updates and Free Tools

Barricaded Suspect Surrenders After Antelope Standoff
On Saturday night, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office responded to a tense barricade situation in the Antelope area. Deputies surrounded

What’s the Range of the Uniden SDS100?
The Uniden SDS100 has an average range of 20 to 50 miles, depending on terrain, antenna, and signal strength. In

What’s the Difference Between the Uniden 436HP and SDS100?
The main difference between the Uniden 436HP and SDS100 is how they handle digital signals. The SDS100 uses Software Defined

What’s the Difference Between the Uniden SDS100 and SDS200?
The Uniden SDS100 and SDS200 are nearly identical in performance. The biggest difference is that the SDS100 is a handheld

What Year Did the Uniden SDS100 Come Out?
The Uniden SDS100 was released in June 2018. It was Uniden’s first handheld scanner built on SDR technology, made to

How to Find Someone’s Change of Address: Private Investigator Tips for Locating People Who Moved
When someone moves and you need to find them, it can feel impossible. Maybe you need to serve court papers,