10-Codes

[mfbenderjr]

I have recently moved to WI from the east coast where I was a dispatcher and having some trouble locating 10-codes for the state. Interested in WSP, Marathon, Portage counties and there respective municipal agencies. Is there a uniform set of codes or do agencies use there own systems? Also, do agencies in the area typically use military or civi phonetic alphabet...Thank you.

 

[sfd119]

This should help:
RADIO CODES & SIGNALS - WISCONSIN

 

[canav844]

I have recently moved to WI from the east coast where I was a dispatcher and having some trouble locating 10-codes for the state. Interested in WSP, Marathon, Portage counties and there respective municipal agencies. Is there a uniform set of codes or do agencies use there own systems? Also, do agencies in the area typically use military or civi phonetic alphabet...Thank you.

I had the same thing happen when I moved to WI after dispatching. Seems to be mostly APCO ten codes, with a few odd balls (10-100 = Status). I still get a few every once in a while that I have to strain to put together. I'm not sure if it's an attempt at plain language, but there's also not much brevity out of the Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity mantra, so often times if I give it a discerning ear I can get enough context to figure things out.

 

[takyrob]

you can send me a msg and i can send you a nice little booklett that i made with 10 codes for Waukesha, and MKE

 

[MarcusDude]

Wisconsin uses the APCO (civil) phonetic alphabet (ADAM, BOY CHARLES, ect), as apposed to the military phonetic (ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, ect).

 

[mfbenderjr]

Thanks for the 10-code list! Some interesting ones in there...such as livestock on highway? Don't see that back east, suppose it comes with the territory! I also notice that a lot of agencies tend to explain EVERYTHING over the radio and don’t always use a lot of codes...back east we would use a lot of 10-21 (Calls to HQ or personnel) simply to reduce radio traffic due to the higher volume (in the big cities - was in New Jersey in the New York Metro Area) If you listen to the live feeds I encourage you to listen to Northern New Jersey Feeds just to hear the comm differences between the regions (I find it interesting at least...maybe I'm just odd)

Also looks like I may soon need to update my equipment, antennas at least (due to the differences in terrain, and most of my previous monitoring was with UHF and massive trunk tracking systems) Any suggestions?

I will for now just have to listen more closely then I am used to...and any more information would be helpful!! Thanks Again.

Operator: 290

PS: Anyone know of agencies in the Portage, Marathon, Wood, and Waupaca county area's hiring for comm officers/dispatchers? I check the job boards but maybe someone has some insider info? Working in sales right now to pay the bills but want to get back into the game!

 

[sfd119]

Thanks for the 10-code list! Some interesting ones in there...such as livestock on highway? Don't see that back east, suppose it comes with the territory! I also notice that a lot of agencies tend to explain EVERYTHING over the radio and don’t always use a lot of codes...back east we would use a lot of 10-21 (Calls to HQ or personnel) simply to reduce radio traffic due to the higher volume (in the big cities - was in New Jersey in the New York Metro Area) If you listen to the live feeds I encourage you to listen to Northern New Jersey Feeds just to hear the comm differences between the regions (I find it interesting at least...maybe I'm just odd)

Some bigger cities do this as well, but others don't as you have found out.

Also looks like I may soon need to update my equipment, antennas at least (due to the differences in terrain, and most of my previous monitoring was with UHF and massive trunk tracking systems) Any suggestions?

Most of Wisconsin is VHF, although some pockets of 800MHZ and UHF do exsist. Also, the new statewide system (called WISCOM) uses VHF.

 

[mfbenderjr]

Yea I have been doing alot of reading on the WISCOM, sounds similar to New Jersey's SPEN (State Police Emergency Network)