Security guard codes: the 25 most-used radio codes (with PDF card)

Q Code for private security

The Q Code for security guards, also called security guard codes, combines Q codes, words and numbers that guards, gate staff and supervisors use over the radio to speak less and understand more. There is no single national table: international Q Code provides the basis, and each company defines its own standard. Here are the 25 most used, what is standard and what is customary, ready-to-use phrases and a pocket PDF card.

Updated on 14/10/2026 · ABC Mais Telecom technical team, Motorola Solutions and Hytera two-way radio sales and rental.

Pocket PDF cardThe 25 codes, ready-to-use phrases, alphabet and numbers on a card to print or save on a mobile phone.

Download card (PDF)

Q Code for security guards: the 25 most used on the radio

The table brings together Q codes for guards most often used at gatehouses, on patrol and in control centers. The “origin” column shows whether the meaning comes from the ITU international standard, is a Brazilian usage of an official code or is local practice. Local meanings vary between companies: check with your supervisor before use.

Q Code for security guards: international standard or company practice?

Q Code was created for radiotelegraphy and is now included in ITU Recommendation ITU-R M.1172. It reached Brazilian private security through three paths, and understanding the differences avoids misunderstandings between teams from different companies.

• Official code with the same meaning. QSL, QTH, QRV, QTA, QTR, QRM, QSY, QRL, QSA and QRK mean the same at the post as in the ITU list.
• Official code with a Brazilian meaning. QAP, QRU, QRA, QTI and QTC gained different or broader meanings in Brazil than the originals (QAP comes from aeronautical code).
• Local practice. QTO (restroom), QSJ (money), QSD (driver), QSV (patrol vehicle) and QRR (urgent support) do not have those meanings in the international standard and vary between companies.

The practical rule for Q Code for guards is simple: write in the post procedure which codes the team uses and their adopted meanings. New arrivals from another company learn in a day, and nobody has to guess.

Guard numeric codes (codes 0 to 7, code 32): why there is no single table

Many people search for lists such as “patrol codes 0 to 7” or “code 32.” These numeric codes are defined by each company, organization or state and have no national standard for private security. The same number can mean different things at neighboring companies.

We therefore do not publish a numeric list as a standard. Instead, use the template below to record your company’s codes, meanings and when to use them.

Ready-to-use Q-code phrases for guards in each situation

The phrases below use Q codes for guards in their most common form. Replace call signs and locations with those of your team.

Start of shift

1. Control center“All posts, this is Control. Starting the shift. Report identification and status.”Shift opening.
2. Gatehouse 1“Control, Gatehouse 1, QRA Lima, taking over. All normal.”Post introduction.

Patrol

1. Control center“Patrol 2, report your QTH.”Location check.
2. Patrol 2“Control, Patrol 2, parking lot B, sector 4. No QRU.”Position and nothing to report.
3. Patrol 2“Control, going down to the basement. QRX five minutes, I will call on exit.”Area without signal.

Gatehouse and visitor

1. Gatehouse“Supervision, maintenance visitor at reception, awaiting access.”Announcing a visitor.
2. Gatehouse“Plate, I will spell it: Bravo, Romeo, Alfa, dois, Echo, uno, nove.”Spelling a plate.

Incident

1. Security guard“Control, Post 4. QRU at dock 3: unauthorized person. Requesting support.”Short report with location and request.
2. Control center“QSL, support on the way. Keep your distance and report changes.”Confirmation and guidance.
3. Security guard“Control, QTA on support. Person identified, transport company employee.”Cancellation after checking.

Shift change

1. Supervision“Post 2, handover at 18 hours. Confirm QSL.”Handover time.
2. Post 2“Supervision, Post 2 handed over, QRA Costa taking over. All normal.”Service handover.

Event

1. Coordination“Access teams, report whether you are QRV to open.”Readiness before opening.
2. North Access“Coordination, North Access QRV. Queue at gate 2.”Ready and useful information.

Numbers and alphabet in Q Code for security guards

Vehicle plates, names and numbers are the details most prone to errors. For letters, use the phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie…). For numbers, many security teams use Portuguese ordinal forms: primeiro (1), segundo (2), terceiro (3), quarto (4), quinto (5), sexto (6), sétimo (7), oitavo (8), nono (9) and negativo (0). In aviation, the Brazilian standard is digit by digit, with “uno” for 1 and “meia” for 6. Both forms work; what matters is that the whole team uses the same one.

7 radio rules at the post (beyond codes)

1. Listen before speaking. Wait until the channel is clear to avoid cutting off another message.
2. Press PTT and wait one second. This prevents the first word from being lost.
3. Say who it is for and who is speaking. “Control, this is Patrol 2.”
4. Keep it brief. One item at a time: location, situation, request.
5. Confirm. Important messages always end with QSL from the receiver.
6. No personal data. People’s identification documents, telephone numbers and addresses are not transmitted over the radio.
7. Emergencies in plain language. When people are at risk, forget codes and speak directly.

Q Code pocket card for guards: how to download and use it

The pocket card summarizes Q Code for guards on two sides. The front has the most-used codes and ready-to-use phrases. The back has the phonetic alphabet, numbers and space to note your company’s codes. It is designed to fit a shirt pocket or badge holder.

1. Download the PDF. Save it on a mobile phone to consult without internet access.
2. Print at actual size. In printer settings, choose “actual size” or “100%.”
3. Fill in the back. Note your company’s own codes with your supervisor.
4. Laminate it. The card lasts longer in rain and daily use.

Guides to each code

To explore Q Code for guards in detail, each guide includes the official and on-post meanings, complete conversations, ready-to-use phrases, common errors and a procedure template:

• QTH · location
• QRA · identification
• QRV · ready
• QRX · wait
• QTA · cancel
• QTR · exact time
• QSO · contact
• QAP · listening
• Phonetic alphabet · A to Z
• Complete Q code · 56 codes

Q Code for guards frequently asked questions

Sources consulted

• ITU, Recommendation ITU-R M.1172: abbreviations and signals for radiocommunications (Q Code list).
• Federal Police: private security ordinances, including Ordinance CGCSP/DPA/PF nº 16/2024 (guard course plans).
• DECEA, MCA 100-16 Air Traffic Phraseology: alphabet (item 2.5) and numerals (item 2.6).

Does your security company need radios for its posts? ABC Mais Telecom rents two-way radios for property security, gatehouses and events in the state of São Paulo, with the use of Anatel-licensed frequencies already included in the rental.

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