In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-43 means "Information" or "Message". It is used to communicate non-emergency information, reports, or messages between officers and dispatch, providing an organized way to relay details without confusion during active operations.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-43, update on minor traffic collision at 8th and Maple, no injuries."
- Dispatch: "10-4, message received, logged for records."
In this exchange, the officer is providing informational communication. Using 10-43 allows dispatch to log and relay non-urgent messages efficiently, maintaining clarity in radio traffic and ensuring proper documentation.
Operational Purpose
10-43 is essential for keeping dispatch and units informed about incidents, updates, or administrative matters that do not require immediate action. It reduces unnecessary chatter, ensures accurate logging of events, and supports smooth operational coordination.
Information transmitted via 10-43 can include minor incidents, updates on previous calls, traffic conditions, or any details that support situational awareness without triggering emergency response protocols.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Using 10-43 ensures officers can communicate relevant information without miscommunication or interference with urgent calls. Units may acknowledge receipt with 10-4, update location with 10-20, or temporarily report 10-6 (busy) if engaged in other tasks while transmitting information.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-43 for routine administrative updates, while others extend it to minor incident reporting or follow-ups. Local procedures may define the level of detail required, formatting standards, or whether the message should be logged in electronic or paper records.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-43 with phrases such as:
- "Informational message."
- "Update for records."
- "Report non-emergency situation."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-43 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-6 (busy), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), and 10-44 (permission to leave / proceed). Together, these codes help maintain organized communication, proper logging, and operational efficiency.