In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-12 means "Stand By". It is used to instruct a unit to wait, hold position, or pause radio transmissions until further instructions are given.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 31 requesting additional details."
- Dispatch: "Unit 31, 10-12. Stand by."
In this exchange, dispatch is directing the officer to pause while information is gathered or clarified. The use of 10-12 helps manage radio traffic and prevents unnecessary transmissions during critical moments.
Operational Purpose
10-12 plays an important role in maintaining radio discipline and situational control. It is often used when dispatch needs time to verify information, coordinate additional resources, or resolve overlapping communications.
By issuing a 10-12, dispatch ensures that units do not act on incomplete or unconfirmed information.
Radio Management And Clarity
During high-traffic situations, multiple units may attempt to transmit simultaneously. 10-12 helps reduce congestion by instructing units to pause until the channel is clear or until priority traffic has concluded. In more urgent scenarios, it may be paired with 10-3 (stop transmitting) to temporarily silence non-essential radio traffic.
Once the unit is cleared to proceed, dispatch may follow up with updated instructions or acknowledge readiness using 10-4 (acknowledgment).
Variations And Agency Use
While 10-12 is commonly interpreted as “stand by,” its specific application can vary. Some agencies use it to request silence on the radio, while others apply it more narrowly to instruct a specific unit to wait for further direction.
Because of these differences, many agencies include additional context when issuing 10-12, such as indicating whether the unit should hold position, remain available, or prepare to respond.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies using plain-language protocols may replace 10-12 with phrases such as:
- "Stand by."
- "Hold position."
- "Pause, awaiting further instructions."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-12 include 10-3 (stop transmitting), 10-6 (busy), 10-4 (acknowledgment), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes help regulate radio traffic, improve clarity, and support safe and coordinated operations.