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

[John Wilson]

*What?  This was supposed have been implemented 5 years ago!!  It was a 
requirement by Homeland Security imposed to minimize and eventually 
confusion in interoperability comms.  If the entity declined to comply 
then selected  federal funds were withheld.  Old habits are hard to 
break but the Va. State Police for the most part have succeeded.*

*John *

Matt Stevens wrote:
> ---------- 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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