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What Does 1039 Mean in Police Code?

Published in Police Radio Codes 2 mins read

In police radio communication, 1039 typically signifies that a message or item has been delivered. This specific code is part of a system known as 10-codes, which are widely used by law enforcement agencies to convey common phrases and statuses quickly and efficiently over the radio.

Understanding 10-Codes in Law Enforcement

10-codes are a standardized series of numerical codes, often starting with the number "10," used by emergency services like police, fire, and EMS. Their primary purpose is to streamline communication, ensuring that important information can be transmitted concisely and clearly, especially in fast-paced or sensitive situations.

Key benefits of using 10-codes include:

  • Efficiency: They reduce the time needed to transmit common phrases, making radio traffic more efficient.
  • Clarity: By standardizing phrases, they reduce ambiguity and miscommunication.
  • Brevity: A simple code can replace a longer sentence, keeping radio channels clear.

While many 10-codes are common across agencies, it's important to note that their exact meanings can sometimes vary slightly from one police department or jurisdiction to another. However, the meaning of "1039" as "message or item delivered" is consistent within specific code systems like those used by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The Meaning of 1039

When an officer uses the code 1039, they are indicating that a specific communication, document, or physical object has been successfully transferred to its intended recipient or location. For instance, an officer might transmit "1039" after dropping off a warrant at a court, delivering evidence to an investigations unit, or confirming that a verbal message has been passed along as requested.

Related Police 10-Codes

To provide further context within these communication systems, here are some other common 10-codes that officers might use to describe different operational statuses:

Code Meaning
1039 Message or Item Delivered
10-6 Busy
10-23 Standby
10-97 On Scene
10-98 Assignment Completed

These codes, when used together, help dispatchers and other officers quickly understand the status of personnel and ongoing incidents without lengthy verbal explanations.