In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-42 means "End Tour" or "End Shift". It is used to indicate that a unit is going off duty, completing their assignment period, or temporarily leaving active service, allowing dispatch to update operational status and track unit availability.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-42, ending my shift at the downtown precinct."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 12 off duty, noted."
In this exchange, the officer communicates the conclusion of their tour. Using 10-42 ensures dispatch is aware that the unit is no longer available for assignments and can reallocate resources to maintain coverage.
Operational Purpose
10-42 is crucial for accurate unit tracking, operational accountability, and effective resource management. By reporting the end of a shift, dispatch can maintain situational awareness, balance workload among available units, and ensure coverage continuity across the jurisdiction.
This code also supports proper documentation in shift logs, incident reports, and administrative records, providing a clear record of unit activity for accountability and review.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-42 allows dispatch to coordinate remaining active units efficiently and safely. Units may acknowledge with 10-4, update location with 10-20, or report temporary unavailability with 10-40 before going off duty. Clear reporting of end-of-shift status prevents confusion in assignments and ensures accountability for all units.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-42 strictly to indicate the end of a shift, while others may include temporary duty completions, relief handoffs, or administrative reporting periods. Local procedures may define the timing, format, and required follow-up communications for units ending their tour.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-42 with phrases such as:
- "Ending shift."
- "Unit off duty."
- "Tour of duty completed."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-42 include 10-41 (begin tour/start shift), 10-40 (silent/no calls/out of service), 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), and 10-6 (busy). Together, these codes ensure accurate tracking of unit status, operational readiness, and efficient dispatch management.