ten codes
Note: Radio codes and communication procedures can vary by agency, region, and policy updates. Some law enforcement agencies have moved toward plain language communication to enhance interoperability. For the most current Border Patrol communication policies, refer to official CBP guidance.
Border Patrol 10 Codes & Jargon
Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only. Communication protocols, radio codes, and terminology may vary by agency, sector, and policy changes over time. For official communication guidelines, consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection or relevant agency sources.
Border Patrol 10 Codes
10-1 Receiving Poorly
10-2 Receiving Well
10-3 Disregard
10-4 Acknowledgement
10-5 Be on the Lookout
10-6 Temporarily Busy
10-7 Out of Service - Unavailable
10-8 In Service - Available
10-9 Repeat Last Transmission
10-10 All Available Agents Furnish Emergency Assistance
10-11 Investigate Subject
10-12 Visitors Present
10-13 En Route
10-14 Establish Traffic at Checkpoint
10-15 Aliens in Custody
10-16 Pick Up Aliens in Custody
10-17 Inspection Party
10-18 Any Traffic - Security Check
10-19 No Traffic, Security Check Reply
10-20 Location
10-21 Telephone Call
10-22 Advise Officers to Report
10-23 Restrict Normal Communications
10-24 Normal Communications
10-25 Immediate Assistance Required
10-26 Single Agent Vehicle Stop
10-27 Information from Civilian
10-28 Vehicle Registration Check
10-29 Stolen/Wanted Vehicle Check
10-30 Person in Custody Speaks English
10-31 Engaging in Pursuit
10-32 More Than One Agent Vehicle Stop
10-33 Dangerous Subject
10-34 1-213/Immigration Check
10-35 False Claim Check
10-36 Smuggler Check
10-37 Observing Traffic at...
10-38 Meet at...
10-39 Record Check is Positive
10-40 No Record Found on Subject
10-41 Unit on Duty - Able to Talk
10-42 Unit Off Duty - Not Able to Talk
10-43 Switch to Channel
10-44 Meet at...
10-45 Apprehended Illegal Aliens
10-46 Apprehended Narcotics
10-48 BP Involved in an Accident
10-49 Out of Service at Residence
10-50 Immigration Check
10-51 Wants/Warrants on a Person
10-52 Check Criminal History
10-53 Firearms Check
10-54 Vital Statistics Check
10-55 Controlled Load
10-57 Driver’s License Check
10-58 Cross Index Check
10-59 Maintenance (Sensor or Other)
10-60 Sensor Hit
10-72 TECS Lane Check
10-79 No Unit Available
10-81 Assigned Unit
10-82 Assigned Unit Arrived Time
10-83 Completes Unit Assignment
10-84 Remove Unit from Assignment
10-85 Create Incident Ticket
10-86 Vehicle Change
10-87 Change Work Area
10-88 Operated in Coded Mode
10-89 Operated in Clear Mode
10-91 Out of Radio Contact - Still in Service
10-92 Back in Radio Contact
10-95 Log Information
10-96 Escorting Female
10-97 Begin Transport of Juvenile/Female
10-98 End Transport of Juvenile/Female
10-99 Officer Down - All Agents Respond
10-100 Place BP Emergency Plan Into Effect
10-101 Bomb Threat
Border Patrol Jargon
"46" - Drugs, usually marijuana
"45" - Illegal Aliens
"IAs" - Illegal Aliens
"UDAs" - Illegal Aliens
"UACs" - Unaccompanied Children
"Bodies" - Illegal Aliens (unless deceased - "10-7")
"10-7" - Out of Service - Unavailable
"10-15" - In Custody
"10-97" - Begin Transport of Juvenile/Female
"Packers" / "Mules" - Drug Smugglers
"Bailout" - Individuals Who Abscond from a Traffic Stop
"Got Aways" - Literally What It Sounds Like
"TBS" - Turned Back South
"POE" - Port of Entry
"The Line" - The U.S./Mexico International Boundary
"Omaha" / "Liberty" / "Falcon" - Helicopters and Fixed-Wing Aircraft
"Pushing" - Tracking and Literally "Pushing" Behind a Group
"USC" - U.S. Citizen
"BOLO" - Be on the Lookout
"FTY" - Failure to Yield
