1016 Police Code
1016 Police Code details, meaning for the police force is Pick Up Prisoner / Reply To Message.
The 1016 Police Code is commonly used in law enforcement communication to signify “Pick Up Prisoner” or “Reply to Message.” This numeric code allows officers, dispatchers, and emergency responders to relay information quickly and clearly over radio systems without revealing sensitive operational details to the public. The 1016 code is part of a broader set of standardized police codes used across various jurisdictions to streamline police communication and ensure officer safety.
When an officer transmits “10-16” over the radio, it typically indicates that they need to pick up a suspect who is already in custody or respond to a pending message or communication that requires attention. This police code is especially useful during coordinated transport efforts, prisoner transfers, or when immediate responses to departmental messages are needed.
On this page, we provide the most accurate, detailed, and up-to-date information about the 1016 police code and what it means in real-world law enforcement situations. Whether you’re a criminal justice student, a citizen listening to a police scanner, or someone curious about what these codes mean, our resource aims to explain everything in plain terms.
The 1016 Police Code is one of the many official police radio codes used daily by law enforcement officers across the United States and in some international police jurisdictions. These police codes, also referred to as ten-codes or signal codes, help streamline communication between officers and dispatchers during real-time incidents. The 1016 code, in particular, typically means “Pick Up Prisoner” or “Reply to Message,” depending on the agency’s protocol. This specific code is frequently heard on police scanners, law enforcement dispatch channels, and even portrayed in popular crime and police-themed television shows.
When used in active law enforcement communication, the 1016 Police Code is often transmitted clearly and slowly, either by articulating each digit—”one-zero-one-six”—or by breaking it down using phonetic radio alphabet to avoid confusion. Radio clarity is vital for officer safety and mission accuracy. Because of potential background noise, interference, or static over radio channels, law enforcement professionals ensure that messages like 1016 are transmitted precisely so that there is no misunderstanding in the field, especially when dealing with prisoner transport or urgent replies.
The entire system of police codes, including 1016, was originally developed between 1937 and 1940 to make police communication more efficient and standardized across various departments. These codes were intended to compress commonly used phrases into short numerical transmissions that could be easily recognized and interpreted under high-stress or fast-paced conditions. In 1974, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) further expanded and refined the ten-code system, offering improved standardization for message traffic across different states, cities, and public safety agencies.
Today, while some departments are shifting to plain language communication due to concerns over interoperability and public transparency, the 1016 Police Code remains widely understood and utilized in many areas. It continues to serve as a core component of law enforcement radio language, offering a fast and discreet way to convey operational instructions.
On this site, you can find comprehensive and constantly updated explanations for 1016 Police Code and hundreds of other police codes used in the field of law enforcement. Whether you’re a student of criminal justice, a citizen interested in scanner activity, or just curious about how police officers communicate in the line of duty, we provide reliable and accessible insights—all for free.
Police officers rely on highly efficient and standardized communication systems, especially when responding to emergencies or coordinating active situations. One such system is the use of police codes, including the 1016 Police Code, which stands for “Pick Up Prisoner” or “Reply to Message.” These codes are most commonly used during two-way radio conversations between officers and the dispatcher—the individual responsible for coordinating law enforcement response units based on unfolding events. Whether it’s a routine prisoner pickup or an urgent response to a message, the use of code 1016 helps ensure that communication remains clear, direct, and unambiguous.
The use of police codes, such as the 1016 Police Code, allows officers to maintain communication not only with dispatchers but also with other members of law enforcement, including fellow officers in the field, detectives, corrections officers, and staff at local jails or detention facilities. These radio codes play a critical role in establishing smooth coordination and ensuring that every member of the team is on the same page during operations involving prisoner transfers, warrant execution, or suspect apprehension.
In law enforcement environments where every second counts, codes like 1016 help eliminate lengthy verbal explanations and reduce misunderstandings. For example, rather than saying “I’m en route to pick up the prisoner,” an officer can simply radio in “10-16,” and both dispatch and other officers will immediately understand the nature of the assignment. This type of shorthand not only saves time but also preserves radio bandwidth, improves safety, and reinforces operational efficiency.
Have you been searching online for the exact meaning of the 1016 Police Code or trying to decode another police code you’ve come across on a scanner, in a report, or from a TV show—but couldn’t locate the correct or complete answer? You’re not alone. Many people run into the same issue, especially since law enforcement radio codes can vary from state to state, and reliable information isn’t always easy to find.
That’s exactly why we’re here. If you need help identifying the meaning behind the 1016 code—which typically stands for Pick Up Prisoner or Reply to Message—or if you’re trying to understand any other 10-code, signal code, or police radio abbreviation, we’re ready to assist you.
Simply scroll down and use the comment form located at the bottom of this page to send us your question. Whether it’s the 1016 Police Code, another ten-code, or a jurisdiction-specific police term, we’ll do all the research for you. Our team will personally dig through the most accurate and up-to-date resources to provide a detailed explanation tailored to your request. Best of all? This service is 100% free of charge—no payment, subscription, or sign-up required.
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What is 1016 Police Code?
The 1016 Police Code is a standard ten-code term used by police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and law enforcement personnel across various departments to communicate specific actions quickly and discreetly over the radio. When a police officer uses the code “10-16,” it generally refers to one of two meanings, depending on the context and department policies: “Pick Up Prisoner” or “Reply to Message.” This allows officers to relay information clearly without needing to use long sentences, reducing confusion and maintaining operational efficiency during active situations.
In most cases, when code 1016 is transmitted, it means that an officer is being directed to transport a suspect who is already in custody, either from the scene of an arrest or from one facility to another, such as from a local precinct to the county jail. Alternatively, the code may be used internally to indicate that the officer should respond to a pending message or call from dispatch or another unit. Both uses are essential for maintaining clear and organized communication, especially when officers are coordinating with dispatchers, detention centers, and other units in the field.
The use of police codes like 1016 dates back to the early 20th century, when radio communication became a core part of policing. These ten-codes were developed to save time, reduce radio traffic, and ensure a level of confidentiality and clarity during transmissions. Today, the 1016 police code continues to be recognized in many U.S. law enforcement agencies and remains a vital part of efficient and standardized communication across departments.
13 Secret Tricks Every Police Officer Uses
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