In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-16 means "Pick Up Prisoner" or "Prisoner Transport". It is used to request or acknowledge the movement of a person in custody, typically from the arrest location to a detention facility, court, or transfer point.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 19 has one subject in custody."
- Dispatch: "Unit 19, 10-4. Advise if transport is needed."
- Officer: "10-16 to county jail."
In this exchange, the officer is informing dispatch that a prisoner transport is underway. The use of 10-16 clearly communicates the next operational step following a custody event.
Operational Role
10-16 represents a transition from arrest to custody management. Once a subject has been declared 10-15 (prisoner in custody), 10-16 signals that transport or pickup procedures are being initiated.
Dispatch may use this information to track unit availability, coordinate transport resources, or notify detention facilities of an incoming prisoner.
Officer Safety And Accountability
Prisoner transport carries inherent risks, making communication clarity essential. By declaring 10-16, officers ensure that dispatch is aware of their status, destination, and expected availability. Officers may also advise 10-6 (busy) during transport to limit radio interruptions.
If safety concerns arise, dispatch may issue a 10-0 (use caution) advisory or assign additional units to assist.
Variations And Agency Usage
The meaning of 10-16 can vary slightly between agencies. Some jurisdictions use it strictly to request a transport unit, while others use it to indicate that transport is already in progress. Understanding local protocol is essential to avoid confusion.
To improve clarity, agencies often supplement 10-16 with plain-language details such as destination, number of prisoners, or whether restraints are required.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies favoring plain-language communication may replace 10-16 with phrases such as:
- "Transporting prisoner."
- "Requesting prisoner pickup."
- "En route to detention facility."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-16 include 10-15 (prisoner in custody), 10-6 (busy), 10-8 (in service), 10-7 (out of service), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes document custody status, movement, and officer availability throughout the arrest and transport process.