In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-35 means "Confidential Information" or "Sensitive Message / Surveillance". It is used to indicate that a transmission contains confidential or sensitive information, requiring discretion and attention from officers and dispatch.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 12, 10-35 inbound regarding ongoing surveillance."
- Officer: "10-4, will handle confidential information per protocol."
In this exchange, dispatch alerts the officer that the message contains sensitive material. Using 10-35 ensures that confidential information is communicated securely, minimizing the risk of inadvertent disclosure and maintaining operational integrity.
Operational Purpose
10-35 is critical for investigations, surveillance operations, and situations where sensitive intelligence must be shared discreetly. By flagging messages as confidential, officers and dispatch can follow agency protocols, restrict dissemination, and ensure that only authorized personnel receive the information.
This code also helps maintain situational awareness while protecting privacy, preserving the integrity of ongoing operations, and preventing interference with investigative or tactical activities.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring a 10-35 ensures that units handle sensitive information appropriately. Officers may temporarily report 10-6 (busy) while processing confidential transmissions and acknowledge receipt with 10-4 (acknowledgment). Proper use of 10-35 also helps coordinate multi-unit surveillance and investigative efforts without compromising safety or intelligence.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-35 strictly for surveillance operations, while others apply it broadly to any confidential communication. Local protocols may define secure channels, encryption, or additional reporting requirements when handling 10-35 messages.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-35 with phrases such as:
- "Confidential transmission."
- "Sensitive information."
- "Intelligence / surveillance message."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-35 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-6 (busy), 10-20 (location), 10-33 (emergency/all units respond), and 10-31 (crime in progress/reported). Together, these codes help maintain secure, efficient, and coordinated communication in sensitive situations.