[Scan-DC] Maryland State Police End Use of Ten Codes

[Matt Stevens]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: MSP Media <noreply at mdsp.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 4:38 PM
Subject: MSP Press Release
To: FiveAlarmPhotography at gmail.com


*Maryland State Police Press Release*
02/01/2012 16:33

* STARTING TODAY, COMMON LANGUAGE PROTOCOL WILL BE USED BY MARYLAND STATE
POLICE*

(Pikesville, MD)- Effective today, the Maryland State Police will abolish
the use of the current ten code system and utilize the Common Language
Protocol, also known as Plain Language.

Historically, ten codes were used to describe common phrases used by law
enforcement. The codes were intended to shorten voice communication on the
radio. But police departments, even those in neighboring districts, have
developed different codes to communicate the scenarios they encounter. The
Common Language Protocol is expected to improve communication and reduce
confusion, especially during multi-jurisdictional incidents or anytime
different agencies are required to communicate on the radio.

For example, under the new system, instead of using code 10-46 when talking
with a dispatcher or another trooper, the trooper will simply say ,
“disabled vehicle”. An additional requirement will be the use of the
standard phonetic alphabet when conducting radio communications. Starting
today, Maryland State Police will use specific words in conjunction with
letters to increase the clarity of radio communications. Examples include:
A - Alpha; B - Bravo, C – Charlie.

The elimination of the ten code system and the adoption of the standard
phonetic alphabet is consistent with Governor Martin O’Malley’s public
safety initiative to implement the Maryland Statewide Communications
Interoperability Program. “In Maryland, we are committed to building an
effective and dependable communications system among all public safety
partners,” said Governor O’Malley. “Eliminating the ten code system helps
us remove barriers needed to protect Marylanders, and represents a vital
step toward building an efficient statewide system of interoperable
communications.”

By implementing the Common Language Protocol, Maryland State Police are
following a national trend which became more prevalent after 9/11 when
agencies had difficulty communicating because they used different codes or
signals. Virginia State Police have been using the common language protocol
since November 2006. The new guideline also meets the recommendations of
the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Integration Center.

“Communications Interoperability is a necessary investment into the lives
of those who work on a daily basis to keep Marylanders safe,” said Maryland
State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown. “The transition to
using the Common Language Protocol and the phonetic alphabet will allow for
the most efficient and highest level of immediate communication between
state agencies and local jurisdictions.”



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-- 
Matt Stevens
Photographer
www.FiveAlarmPhotography.com