| If you are wondering what you are listening to on the scanner, it all really makes perfect sense. Every police and fire department uses codes to limit the amount of time spent in conversing over the radio. Codes also allow for the quick exchange between the professionals pinning down quickly what the situation is and what is neeed to be done about it. Ten Codes are normally issued by the remote unit or person in response to either an action that he/she has taken or responding to a request by either the Dispatch or another person. Signals further specify the type of situation that the police officer or fireman is to expect when given the instructions by Dispatch. Finally, for the Fire Department , Clearing Codes are issued by each person or unit given a call to respond to. They indicate the final disposition of the call. When listening to the transmissions I would suggest keeping a pencil handy. Mark down the codes and signals. Cross reference them with our lists and see if you can follow the action. | 
