Maine Police Ten Codes

So, You Want to Talk Like a Maine Cop?

Ever watch a police show and get totally lost? 10-4, 10-20... it sounds like a secret robot language. Well, buckle up. Maine’s police ten codes are just that—a secret handshake, but with radios.

And they are weirder and more wonderful than you’d ever guess. Forget what you think you know. Maine does things its own way.

First, the Classics (Because You Know Them)

Let’s start with the easy stuff. 10-4 means “affirmative,” or “yes.” 10-20 is your location. If a trooper asks for your 10-20, don’t tell them your life story. Just the intersection.

Then there’s 10-8 (in service) and 10-7 (out of service, or off duty). Simple, right? Now forget all that. Maine has wrinkles.

The Quirky Code You’ve Never Heard Of

Here’s where it gets fun. In Maine, 10-100 isn’t just a number. It means “restroom break.” Seriously. When nature calls, a cop says, “I’m 10-100.” It’s the most polite way to say “I gotta go” over a loudspeaker.

But my absolute favorite? 10-33. In most states, that means a major emergency. In Maine? 10-33 means “pursuit is terminated.” Why? Because Maine cops don’t like high-speed chases through moose country. Smart.

Basic signal communication

And 10-50 isn’t a rapper. It’s a traffic accident. A 10-50 PI has injuries. A 10-50 PD is property damage. No one says “fender bender” on the radio.

Why They’re Not Like Your TV Shows

Here’s the secret: Maine’s codes are regional. A 10-13 in New York means “officer needs help.” In Maine, a 10-13 means “road closed” or “weather advisory.” Imagine the confusion if a cruiser from Bangor visited Brooklyn.

That’s why the national push for plain English (like “car fire” instead of “10-77”) is happening. But die-hard Mainers? They love their 10-29 (check for warrants) and 10-32 (person with a gun). It feels like a tribe.

Police Chief Vs Sheriff: Understanding The Key Differences

The One That’s Just Plain Weird

Ready for the weirdest? 10-95. In some Maine departments, a 10-95 means “subject is acting crazy.” But it’s also used for “porch pirate” or “suspicious person in a bathrobe.” No joke.

Then there’s 10-99. You might think it’s a big deal. Nope. It means “wanted person” or “stolen property.” But in one northern county, it’s code for “moose on the road.” Because that’s a real problem. Moose don’t move for flashing lights.

So Why Should You Care?

Because it’s a decoder ring for real life. Next time you see a Maine State Police cruiser whiz by, you can whisper, “Bet that’s a 10-50 on Route 1.” You’ll feel like a spy.

And if you ever hear a cop say 10-100 on a scanner, just smile. You know the truth. They’re not fighting crime. They’re fighting a full bladder. That’s real heroism.