Officer Status Codes: Complete Reference Guide

Status codes are how officers communicate their current activity to dispatch without tying up the radio. In a CAD system, status codes drive the dispatch board, LiveMap displays, and analytics dashboards. Keeping your status updated ensures dispatch knows who is available, who is busy, and who might need backup. This guide covers every standard status code across all emergency service departments. Most of the codes below come from the ten-code system that US police radio adopted in the 1930s (its history and common variants), which is why 10-8 means in service on almost every server.

Primary Police Status Codes

These are the core status codes that every police officer uses during their shift. Dispatch relies on these statuses to manage unit availability and call assignments.

Special Activity Status Codes

These statuses indicate specific activities that require special handling by dispatch. Some trigger automatic notifications or safety protocols.

EMS Status Codes

EMS units follow a different status flow that tracks the patient care lifecycle from dispatch through hospital handoff.

Fire Department Status Codes

Fire department units use status codes that reflect their station-based operations and multi-apparatus response model.

Customizing Status Codes in CDE CAD

CDE CAD allows administrators to create custom status codes that match your server's specific needs. You can define status names, assign colors for the dispatch board, set availability flags, and configure automatic behaviors triggered by status changes.

Pro Tip: Use distinct colors for each status code on the dispatch board. This allows dispatchers to quickly scan unit availability at a glance without reading individual status labels.