Comprehensive California Police Codes List 2026: Official Radio Signals And Penal Codes

This guide provides the most current and comprehensive directory of California police radio codes, eleven-codes, and penal code shorthand used by law enforcement agencies across the state in 2026. While many departments have transitioned toward "Plain Language" communication to comply with federal NIMS (National Incident Management System) standards, California agencies—including the LAPD, LASD, and California Highway Patrol (CHP)—continue to utilize specialized numeric codes for brevity, clarity, and operational security.

This resource focuses exclusively on official law enforcement radio communication codes and California Penal Code shorthand utilized by dispatchers and field officers. It does not cover internal administrative HR codes or private security jargon.

The Evolution of Radio Communication in California Law Enforcement (2026 Update)

As of 2026, the landscape of police communication in California has reached a technological pinnacle. The statewide transition to P25 Phase II digital radio systems is nearly complete, providing enhanced encryption and interoperability between local, county, and state agencies. Despite these digital advancements, the use of "Ten-Codes" (10-codes) and "Eleven-Codes" (11-codes) remains a staple of the profession.

The persistence of these codes in 2026 is driven by the need for frequency efficiency. In high-density metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, radio traffic is constant. Using a three-digit code like "211" instead of saying "robbery in progress" saves precious seconds and prevents frequency congestion. Furthermore, the 2026 standards for the California Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) require precise reporting, where specific codes help officers categorize incidents quickly for state-mandated data collection.

Essential California Eleven-Codes (11-Codes)

Unique to California, and most notably used by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and various Sheriff's Departments, the 11-code system provides a distinct layer of communication regarding traffic safety and public assistance.

Code	Official Meaning (2026 Standard)	Contextual Usage
11-10	Take a Report	Used when an officer is required to document an incident without an immediate arrest.
11-24	Abandoned Vehicle	Frequently used for vehicles left on state highways or public right-of-ways.
11-25	Traffic Hazard	Denotes debris, a stalled vehicle, or an animal in the roadway.
11-26	Driver or Occupant In/By Vehicle	Indicates an officer is checking on a stopped vehicle that is not an enforcement stop.
11-41	Ambulance Required	Immediate request for emergency medical services (EMS).
11-44	Deceased Person (Coroner Required)	Used when a fatality is confirmed at the scene.
11-48	Transportation Request	Requesting a transport unit for a subject in custody.
11-79	Accident - Ambulance Sent	Confirms a traffic collision with known injuries and EMS en route.
11-80	Accident - Serious Injury	High-priority traffic incident involving major trauma.
11-81	Accident - Minor Injury	Traffic incident where injuries are non-life-threatening.
11-82	Accident - Property Damage Only	Standard "fender bender" with no reported injuries.
11-83	Accident - No Details	Initial report of a collision where the severity is unknown.
11-84	Traffic Control	Used when an officer is manually directing traffic at a scene.
11-85	Tow Truck Required	Requesting a rotation tow or a specific garage for vehicle removal.
11-98	Meet Officer	A request for a face-to-face meeting between units.

Police Radio Codes Iowa at Bobby Mosca blog

Standard Ten-Codes (10-Codes) in California Metro Areas

While the 11-series is common for traffic, the 10-series remains the backbone of general patrol communication for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and local municipal agencies.

Technical Insight on 10-Codes

In the 2026 operational environment, the definition of certain 10-codes has been tightened to prevent ambiguity during multi-agency responses. For instance, 10-33 is strictly reserved for "Emergency Officer Needs Assistance" and is never used for routine priority traffic. Dispatchers in 2026 are trained to clear the frequency immediately upon hearing a 10-33 or a 10-99 (Wanted/Stolen) hit to ensure officer safety.

10-1: Poor Reception (Radio signal is weak or breaking up).
10-2: Good Reception (Radio signal is clear).
10-4: Acknowledgment (Message received and understood).
10-6: Busy (Officer is occupied but listening).
10-7: Out of Service (End of shift or unavailable for calls).
10-8: In Service (Available for calls and patrolling).
10-9: Repeat Message (Requesting the dispatcher to say again).
10-10: Off-duty (End of watch).
10-15: Subject in Custody (An arrest has been made).
10-19: Return to Station (Proceed to the precinct or headquarters).
10-20: Current Location (Where are you?).
10-21: Telephone (Call by phone).
10-22: Cancel (Disregard the previous assignment).
10-23: Standby (Wait for further instructions).
10-27: Driver’s License Check (Running a subject through the DMV database).
10-28: Vehicle Registration Check (Running a license plate).
10-29: Wants/Warrants Check (Checking for outstanding legal actions).
10-33: Emergency (Officer needs immediate help/Life-threatening).
10-97: Arrived at Scene (Unit has reached the location).
10-98: Finished with Assignment (Available for the next call).

High-Frequency California Penal Code (PC) Shorthand

In California, it is common for dispatchers and officers to omit the words "Penal Code" and simply use the section number. These are the most frequent codes heard on scanners and used in digital CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) logs in 2026.

187 PC: Homicide/Murder.
211 PC: Robbery (Taking property by force or fear).
215 PC: Carjacking.
242 PC: Battery (Willful and unlawful use of force).
245 PC: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW).
261 PC: Rape.
314 PC: Indecent Exposure.
415 PC: Disturbing the Peace (Loud music, fighting, or offensive words).
451 PC: Arson.
459 PC: Burglary (Entering a structure with intent to commit a crime).
487 PC: Grand Theft (Theft of property exceeding a specific dollar threshold).
488 PC: Petty Theft.
502 PC: DUI (Often used interchangeably with Vehicle Code 23152).
5150 W&I: Welfare and Institutions Code (Mental Health Hold; 72-hour evaluation).
647(f) PC: Public Intoxication.

The LAPD Phonetic Alphabet

To ensure accuracy when transmitting names, VINs, or license plates, California agencies use a specific phonetic alphabet. The LAPD version is widely adopted across Southern California, though some Northern agencies use the standard NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie).

A: Adam
B: Boy
C: Charles
D: David
E: Edward
F: Frank
G: George
H: Henry
I: Ida
J: John
K: King
L: Lincoln
M: Mary
N: Nora
O: Ocean
P: Paul
Q: Queen
R: Robert
S: Sam
T: Tom
U: Union
V: Victor
W: William
X: X-ray
Y: Yellow
Z: Zebra

Legal and Privacy Implications of Monitoring Police Radios in 2026

The ability of the public to monitor police codes has faced significant changes leading up to 2026. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) issued directives in previous years regarding the protection of Criminal Justice Information (CJI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Pros and Cons of Radio Encryption in California

Feature	Pros of Current 2026 Systems	Cons of Current 2026 Systems
Public Safety	Prevents criminals from monitoring tactical movements during active crimes.	Reduces transparency for journalists and community oversight groups.
Privacy	Protects the names and addresses of victims and witnesses from being broadcast.	Limits the ability of hobbyists to provide secondary "eyes on the street."
Clarity	Digital P25 Phase II removes static and provides crystal-clear audio.	Requires expensive, specialized hardware (SDS100/SDS200) for reception.
Interoperability	Allows CHP to talk directly to local police during high-speed pursuits.	Some smaller rural agencies struggle with the high cost of digital upgrades.

Operational Reality Check

Many California agencies have moved to "Encrypted Dispatch" as of 2026. While dispatch traffic for certain agencies remains unencrypted (clear), tactical channels used for SWAT, Narcotics, and Vice are almost universally encrypted. Under the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA), it is legal to listen to unencrypted police frequencies, but it remains a crime to use information gained from a scanner to assist in the commission of a crime or to interfere with law enforcement operations.

Guide: How to Interpret California Police Scanner Traffic

For those utilizing SDR (Software Defined Radio) or digital trunking scanners in 2026, interpreting the "California Police Codes List" requires a systematic approach.

Identify the Agency: Determine if you are listening to a "10-code" agency (LAPD/LASD) or an "11-code" agency (CHP).
Monitor the Dispatcher: The dispatcher provides the "Code 2" (Urgent) or "Code 3" (Emergency/Lights and Sirens) status. If you hear "Code 4," the situation is under control and no further units are needed.
Listen for the 'R-Type' (RIPA): In 2026, listen for officers stating "R-Type" followed by a number. This is the 2026 requirement for reporting the perceived identity of the individual stopped, which is essential for state compliance data.
Watch for Status Changes: "10-97" (Arrived) followed by a long silence often means the officer is busy at the scene. "10-98" (Clear) means they are ready for the next call.
Use AI-Assisted Transcription: Many 2026 scanner apps now use AI to transcribe these codes into plain text in real-time, making it easier for novices to follow the action without memorizing the entire list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Code 3' mean in California police terminology?

Code 3 is a response mode indicating an emergency where the officer utilizes both sirens and emergency lights. In 2026, California law requires strict adherence to vehicle code safety standards during Code 3 responses to minimize "pursuit-related" or "response-related" accidents. It is the highest priority for a patrol unit.

Is it legal to listen to police scanners in California in 2026?

Yes, it is generally legal to listen to unencrypted police radio transmissions. However, it is illegal to use a scanner while committing a crime or to use it to evade capture. Additionally, many agencies have encrypted their primary frequencies as of 2026 to protect private information, making those channels inaccessible to standard scanners.

What is the difference between a 211 and a 459?

A 211 (Robbery) involves taking property from a person using force or fear (it is a crime against a person). A 459 (Burglary) involves entering a structure or locked vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or felony (it is a crime against property). These are often confused by the public but are distinct in police radio traffic.

Why does the CHP use 11-codes instead of 10-codes?

The 11-code system was developed to provide more specific terminology for highway-related incidents. Since the CHP focuses heavily on traffic enforcement and accident investigation, the 11-series allows for more granular detail (e.g., distinguishing between property damage, minor injury, and major injury accidents) than the standard 10-series.

What is a 'Code 4' and why is it important?

Code 4 means "Everything is under control" or "No further assistance is required." It is the most vital code for dispatchers to hear, as it allows them to release other responding units to attend to different calls. If an officer does not respond to a status check with "Code 4," dispatch will immediately send emergency backup.

What does '5150' mean on the radio?

5150 refers to Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. It allows an officer or clinician to involuntarily detain a person who, as a result of a mental health disorder, is a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or is gravely disabled. In 2026, these calls often involve specialized SMART (Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team) units.

In 2026, understanding the California police codes list is essential for anyone interfacing with public safety, from journalists to legal professionals. As communication technology continues to evolve, these numeric shorthand codes remain the most reliable way for officers to convey critical information in high-stress environments. Always ensure your equipment is programmed to the latest P25 Phase II frequencies to maintain access to public safety broadcasts in your local California jurisdiction.