Police Field Communications - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering NYPD field communications, radio terms, 10-signals, and 311 system operations based on Chapter 3.

Person Experiencing an Emotional Crisis (PEEC)

The term replacing "emotionally disturbed person" (EDP) beginning September 26, 2026, as per EXC § 170-J.

Queue

The radio dispatcher's computer terminal where incidents received from 911 operators are routed.

Citywide Frequencies

Radio frequencies (Citywide 1, 2, 3 and +4 Encr) utilized during major emergencies or disasters so units can switch from local frequencies to the channel controlling the emergency.

Intergraph’s Computer Aided Dispatch (I/CAD)

The application used by call takers and dispatchers to record 911 calls, track unit activity, log interim assignments, and record finalization codes.

Automatic Number Indicator (ANI)

The caller ID component of the 911 system that displays the caller's telephone number.

Automatic Location Indicator (ALI)

The component of the 911 system displaying location information based on landline billing data, VOIP owner registration, or cellphone location technology.

Phase 2 Cellphone Location

A cellphone location method using Cell Tower Triangulation to provide latitude/longitude with an accuracy of 50-300 meters.

RapidSOS

A cellphone location technology that provides latitude/longitude based on phone GPS with an accuracy of 3-20 meters.

Backlog "Alert"

A condition where Central holds 1 to 4 jobs for 10 to 15 minutes with no units available, indicating a backlog is likely to occur.

Backlog

A condition where Central holds 5 jobs with no units available, or holds any single job for 30 minutes with no units available.

Hazardous Location

An I/CAD location that presents a threat to the safety of responding personnel from individuals, groups, or physical conditions, potentially requiring two or more units or specialized equipment.

Sensitive Location

An I/CAD location subject to demonstrations or diplomatic/political confrontation, which has a pre-developed precinct-level response plan.

Hazardous Material Location

Any location that stores, transports, manufactures, or disposes of any chemical, biological, or radiological substance believed to be dangerous to health.

Radio Transmission Term "K"

An expression used at the end of a transmission to signify its completion and allow for incoming transmissions.

Radio Transmission Term "10-4"

A 10-code meaning "received and understood," used as the final transmission in an exchange with the dispatcher.

Signal 10-01

Radio code meaning "Call Your Command" by telephone.

Signal 10-02

Radio code meaning "Report to Your Command" physically.

Signal 10-10

Radio code meaning "Possible Crime," used for incidents not covered by other codes such as shots fired, calls for help, or suspicious persons/vehicles.

Signal 10-13

Radio code meaning "Assist Police Officer," used when an officer needs urgent assistance, is in a struggle, injured, or in a life-threatening situation.

Signal 10-18

Radio code meaning "Warrant Check Shows an Active Warrant."

Signal 10-19

Radio code meaning "Warrant Check Negative."

Signal 10-19H

Radio code informing a member that the subject may have been issued a Trespass Notice and is subject to arrest only if found on NYCHA Property; it does not indicate the subject is wanted.

Crimes in the Past (20's Series)

Radio codes used when a crime occurred five (5) or more minutes in the past and perpetrator(s) are no longer in the immediate area.

Crimes in Progress (30's Series)

Radio codes used for crimes occurring less than five (5) minutes in the past or when perpetrator(s) are still in the immediate area.

Signal 10-33

Radio code meaning "Explosive Device or Threat," used for suspected explosive devices found or bomb threats regardless of time elapsed.

Signal 10-42

Radio code meaning "311 Complaint," used when transmitting non-emergency quality-of-life service requests.

Signal 10-51

Radio code meaning "Roving Band," used for large groups moving through streets, including gangs, marches, protests, or youths intent on street crime.

Signal 10-61

Radio code meaning "Precinct Assignment," indicating a field unit is out of service due to an assignment given by the Desk Officer or telephone switchboard operator.

Signal 10-62

Radio code meaning "Out of Service – Mechanical," used when a unit is unavailable due to an RMP mechanical condition.

Signal 10-63

Radio code meaning "Out of Service – Meal," which automatically clears the unit as available after sixty (60) minutes.

Signal 10-66

Radio code meaning "Major Unusual Incident," used for major incidents like plane crashes, train collisions, building collapses, prison breaks, or transit flooding with trapped passengers.

Signal 10-75 Series

Radio codes used for visibility patrols, including 10-75B (Bus Investigation), 10-75C (Community Visit), 10-75D (Directed Patrol), 10-75F (Family/Home Visit), 10-75I (Interior Patrol), and 10-75W (Warrant Check).

Signal 10-84

Radio code meaning "Arrived at Scene," transmitted by the assigned unit to record arrival and calculate official response time.

Signal 10-85

Radio code meaning "Need Additional Unit," used to request non-emergency assistance such as crowd control, searches, or a supervisor.

Signal 10-90X

Final disposition code meaning "Unfounded," used when a reported incident never happened and the report is untrue.

Signal 10-90Y

Final disposition code meaning "Unnecessary," used when an incident occurred but police response was not needed.

Signal 10-90Z

Final disposition code meaning "Gone on Arrival," used when an incident occurred but participants left before police arrival.

Signal 10-91

Final disposition code meaning "Non-Crime Corrected," used to indicate resolution of a non-crime incident or minor dispute.

Signal 10-98

Final disposition code meaning "Resuming Patrol / Available," used when clearing from a multi-unit assignment scene where another unit remains, or after completing a 10-61 or 10-62.

Rapid Mobilization

A supervisor-authorized response plan using level codes to direct RMP units to precinct mobilization points during emergencies requiring large numbers of officers.

Chronic 311 Condition

A condition indicated by five (5) or more 311 service requests for the same condition at the same location within a 28-day period.