What is the origin of the phrase “ten four”, used by police on their radios?
Whether it is police, fire, or other emergency service communications via two-way radio, getting something understandably said in a hurry is always a major priority. Since poor location, weak signals, interference, or static will frequently cause breakups in a long-winded radio transmission, there was a “Ten-Code” developed where each number stood for a predetermined answer, question, or status (much like single-button pre-programmed messages used now in “text messaging”). This provides a brief, easily understood radio message that helps eliminate confusion and misunderstandings during times of poor reception, emergency situations, or heavy radio traffic. It also provides a little bit of privacy from “snoopers” with scanners when relating circumstances like “in pursuit”, “body found on scene”, “suspect under surveillence”, and many other communications that could tip off a suspect or attract a crowd. Most “10-codes” are the same for the first ten numbers, but there is seldom any correl
