In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-36 means "Correct Time" or "Time Check". It is used by officers or dispatch to verify the current time, synchronize operations, or ensure accurate reporting for incidents, logs, or coordinated activities.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-36 for confirmation, current time?"
- Dispatch: "10-4, 14:37 hours."
In this exchange, the officer requests the official time. Using 10-36 ensures that all units operate with synchronized timing, which is critical for documentation, incident reports, and coordination during time-sensitive operations.
Operational Purpose
10-36 is essential for ensuring accurate record-keeping, coordinating multi-unit operations, and maintaining consistency in reports. Accurate timekeeping is particularly important during investigations, arrests, evidence handling, and other procedures that may require precise documentation.
It also supports interoperability between units, agencies, and jurisdictions, where timing discrepancies could affect response coordination or legal processes.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Using 10-36 allows dispatch to confirm timing for coordinated actions, such as simultaneous entries, perimeter checks, or synchronized surveillance. Units may temporarily report 10-6 (busy) while performing time-sensitive tasks and acknowledge receipt with 10-4 (acknowledgment).
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-36 strictly for official time checks, while others apply it for synchronization across radio channels or shift coordination. Local procedures may define whether time is reported in 24-hour format, standard time, or synchronized with GPS or dispatch systems.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-36 with phrases such as:
- "Request current time."
- "Time check."
- "Confirm official time."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-36 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-6 (busy), 10-31 (crime in progress/reported), and 10-33 (emergency/all units respond). Together, these codes ensure synchronized, accurate, and coordinated operations.