In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-11 means "Traffic Stop". It is used by law enforcement officers to notify dispatch that they have stopped a vehicle, typically for a traffic violation or investigative purpose.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 23, 10-11."
- Dispatch: "Unit 23, 10-4. Advise location and plate when ready."
In this exchange, the officer is informing dispatch that a traffic stop is underway. This notification establishes officer status, situational awareness, and accountability during what can be an unpredictable encounter.
Operational Significance
10-11 is one of the most frequently used APCO 10-codes, as traffic stops are a routine yet high-risk component of law enforcement operations. By declaring a 10-11, officers ensure that dispatch is aware of their location, activity, and availability status.
Dispatch may log the stop, monitor radio traffic, and initiate automated checks on vehicle registration or driver information while the stop is in progress.
Officer Safety And Procedure
Traffic stops can escalate rapidly, making communication clarity critical. After announcing 10-11, officers typically provide additional details such as location, vehicle description, and license plate number. During the stop, officers may report 10-6 (busy) to limit radio interruptions or request 10-0 (use caution) if potential hazards are identified.
Upon completion of the stop, officers may advise dispatch of 10-8 (in service) or 10-7 (out of service), depending on the outcome.
Variations And Agency Differences
While 10-11 is widely recognized as a traffic stop, its usage can vary slightly between jurisdictions. Some agencies use it exclusively for vehicle stops, while others may apply it more broadly to include pedestrian stops or vehicle-related investigations.
Because of these differences, many agencies supplement 10-11 with plain-language details to ensure clarity, especially during multi-agency coordination.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies that emphasize plain-language communication may replace 10-11 with phrases such as:
- "Conducting a traffic stop."
- "Vehicle stop in progress."
- "Stopped a vehicle for investigation."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-11 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-6 (busy), 10-8 (in service), 10-7 (out of service), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes help maintain officer safety, accountability, and efficient radio communication during traffic enforcement activities.