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Police codes are shorthand communication systems used by law enforcement officers to quickly and efficiently convey information over radios or other communication devices. These codes typically consist of numbers or combinations of numbers and letters, each representing specific situations, actions, or statuses.

• 10-Codes: Commonly used in the U.S., such as "10-4" (acknowledgment) or "10-20" (location).
• Specific Codes: Numbers like "211" (robbery in progress) or "5150" (mental health emergency) describe particular incidents.
• Signal Codes: Used in some jurisdictions to denote specific events or officer statuses, such as "Signal 1" for an officer needing help.

The use of police codes allows officers to communicate concisely while keeping sensitive information relatively discreet. However, the codes may vary across departments, states, and countries, so their meanings are not always universal.