While many police codes refer to crimes in progress or specific emergencies, a "49" is primarily an administrative reporting tool. It applies to injuries that are "suspected to have been caused by other than accidental means." This encompasses a wide range of scenarios, including:
Identifies the recipient, typically the (C.O.) of the relevant bureau or precinct. Subject 49 format nypd
| Do | Don’t | |----|-------| | Use 24‑hour military time | Write long paragraphs | | Leave no blank fields – write “N/A” or “UNK” | Guess ages or heights – use “APPROX” or “UNK” | | Note who said what (“C/V STATED”, “WITNESS #2 ADVISED”) | Include personal opinions (“seemed nervous”) | | Cross out errors with a single line & initial | Use white‑out or erase | | Record exact time of each major event | Forget to sign and date the 49 | While many police codes refer to crimes in
Example: 49 73 SECTOR CHARLIE 2025-04-14 1430 | Abbr | Meaning | Abbr | Meaning
: You might hear it called a "UF-49" (User Friendly 49), though the "UF" prefix is technically an outdated naming convention.
| Abbr | Meaning | Abbr | Meaning | |------|---------|------|---------| | C/V | Complainant/Victim | W/C | Weapon/Contraband | | S/P | Subject/Perpetrator | AT | Action Taken | | LOC | Location | PROP | Property | | M/B | Male Black | EDP | Emotionally Disturbed Person | | F/H | Female Hispanic | UTL | Unable to Locate | | GOA | Gone on Arrival | P.O. | Patrol Officer |