FEMA recommended that departments stopped using codes and went to clear language because NOTHING was the same from agency to agency.
At least one local PD accepted that recommendation and now you don't have to know any
of their codes to know what's going on. They just say it.
I've always thought there should be a standardized national code set that all departments should be using. The idea is practical as the job of law enforcement isn't THAT different no matter where you go. Not every department would use every code, due to variances in
local conditions, but what IS used should be standardized.
"Alpha 4, make 10-25 with the 10-88 of the 7-11, 10-88 advises signal 7 in the dumpster, possibly a local signal 35 delta. After 10-98, go 10-77 to Arby's and
pick up a package for ID 884 and then go 10-19. 10-48?"
Translation from local codes:
"Alpha 4, make in-person contact with the manager of the 7-11, manager advises
there's a dead guy in the dumpster, possibly a drug dealer. When done with that,
go off for a meal, drop by the Arby's and pick up my lunch for me and then bring it to the station. Do you copy?"
CJ