In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-33 means "Emergency / All Units Respond". It is used to indicate a critical situation such as a riot, disaster, or any high-priority emergency requiring immediate response from all available units.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "All units, 10-33, active riot reported downtown. Respond immediately."
- Officer: "10-4, units responding. En route."
In this exchange, dispatch communicates the urgency of the situation to all units. Using 10-33 ensures rapid mobilization, coordinated action, and situational awareness for potentially dangerous or large-scale emergencies.
Operational Purpose
10-33 is critical for large-scale public safety events, natural disasters, or incidents that threaten life or property. It triggers immediate response protocols, including activation of specialized units, coordination with command, and prioritization of resources.
This code allows dispatch to communicate the severity of the situation quickly, ensuring officers, supervisors, and emergency services are aligned and prepared for coordinated action.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring a 10-33 alerts all units to a high-risk scenario, enabling officers to take necessary safety precautions while responding. Units may temporarily report 10-6 (busy) while en route, confirm acknowledgment with 10-4, and update arrival status using 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby). Coordination with additional agencies, such as fire or EMS, may also be initiated.
Variations And Agency Practices
Agencies may use 10-33 for diverse emergencies including natural disasters, civil disturbances, or any situation requiring all units to respond urgently. Local protocols often define the hierarchy of responses, notification procedures, and follow-up reporting required after a 10-33 call.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-33 with phrases such as:
- "Emergency! All units respond."
- "Critical situation in progress."
- "Immediate action required by all units."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-33 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-6 (busy), and 10-31 (crime in progress/reported). Together, these codes ensure fast, coordinated, and safe response to critical incidents.