In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-38 means "Stolen Vehicle". It is used to report a vehicle that has been confirmed stolen or is suspected of being stolen, allowing dispatch and responding units to take appropriate action to locate and recover the vehicle.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-38, black sedan reported stolen at 7th and Elm, last seen heading eastbound."
- Dispatch: "10-4, units in the area, proceed with caution and confirm registration."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a vehicle is stolen. Using 10-38 ensures that all nearby units are alerted, can monitor traffic, and coordinate to safely locate and recover the vehicle.
Operational Purpose
10-38 is critical for law enforcement to respond quickly to stolen vehicle reports. Timely notification allows units to initiate a search, set up checkpoints if needed, and prevent further criminal activity involving the vehicle. It also facilitates accurate documentation for incident reporting and inter-agency coordination.
This code supports proactive policing, helps prevent potential accidents or crimes associated with the stolen vehicle, and ensures public safety by alerting officers in the vicinity.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring a 10-38 enables officers to maintain situational awareness and coordinate safely. Units may temporarily report 10-6 (busy) while responding, acknowledge updates with 10-4, and provide location updates using 10-20. Coordination with additional agencies or dispatch databases ensures the vehicle is tracked effectively.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies limit 10-38 to confirmed stolen vehicles, while others may include vehicles reported as potentially stolen or involved in a crime. Local protocols may dictate whether follow-up notifications, surveillance, or specific reporting formats are required after a 10-38 declaration.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-38 with phrases such as:
- "Stolen vehicle reported."
- "Confirmed stolen car."
- "Vehicle recovery in progress."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-38 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-27 (check identification), 10-28 (vehicle registration check), and 10-37 (suspicious vehicle/activity). Together, these codes help ensure efficient, safe, and coordinated response to stolen vehicle incidents.