In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-14 means "Information" or "Message". It is used to indicate that a unit has information to relay or is about to transmit details that are not an emergency but are operationally relevant.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, I have additional details regarding the earlier call."
- Dispatch: "Go ahead with your 10-14."
In this exchange, dispatch is acknowledging that the officer is about to transmit informational content. The use of 10-14 prepares listeners for a message that may include context, clarification, or follow-up details.
Operational Role
10-14 serves as a transition code, signaling that the following transmission contains information rather than a request for action or an urgent update. This distinction helps dispatchers and other units prioritize radio traffic and maintain situational awareness.
By clearly marking informational transmissions, 10-14 reduces confusion and helps prevent important messages from being misinterpreted as emergency traffic.
Use In Radio Discipline
Effective radio communication depends on structure and predictability. When a unit announces 10-14, listeners understand that a message is forthcoming and can focus attention accordingly. In high-traffic environments, this improves clarity and minimizes interruptions.
If additional clarification is needed after a 10-14 transmission, units may respond with 10-9 (repeat message) or acknowledge receipt using 10-4 (acknowledgment).
Variations And Agency Practices
While 10-14 is generally understood as “information” or “message,” some agencies use it more narrowly to preface non-urgent details, while others use it as a general-purpose indicator before transmitting any extended message.
Due to these differences, 10-14 is often accompanied by brief plain-language context to ensure consistent understanding across agencies.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies that prefer plain-language communication may replace 10-14 with phrases such as:
- "Information follows."
- "Message for dispatch."
- "Additional details available."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-14 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-9 (repeat message), 10-12 (stand by), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes help structure radio traffic and ensure that informational exchanges are clear, orderly, and correctly understood.