In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-44 means "Permission to Leave" or "Proceed". It is used to indicate that an officer or unit has received authorization from dispatch to leave a location, complete a task, or proceed with an assignment, ensuring clear communication and operational accountability.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-44, finished paperwork at station, requesting clearance to resume patrol."
- Dispatch: "10-4, you are clear to proceed, unit 12."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that they have completed a task and are requesting authorization to move on. Using 10-44 ensures dispatch can confirm that it is safe and appropriate for the unit to leave, maintaining coordination and accountability.
Operational Purpose
10-44 is critical for managing officer movements, coordinating tasks, and maintaining situational awareness. It ensures that units do not leave a scene prematurely, that coverage remains consistent, and that dispatch is aware of unit locations at all times.
This code is commonly used after completing administrative duties, investigations, traffic stops, or any assignment requiring confirmation before moving on to the next task or returning to patrol.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring or receiving 10-44 ensures that officers maintain safe and organized operations. Units may acknowledge with 10-4, report location with 10-20, or indicate temporary unavailability with 10-40 while awaiting clearance. Clear communication reduces confusion and supports safe unit movement.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-44 strictly for administrative or logistical clearance, while others extend it to field operations, scene departures, or coordinated assignments. Local procedures may define who can authorize departure, required follow-up reporting, and acceptable timing for using 10-44.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-44 with phrases such as:
- "Cleared to leave."
- "Permission granted to proceed."
- "Task complete, resuming patrol."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-44 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-40 (silent/no calls/out of service), 10-41 (begin tour/start shift), and 10-42 (end tour/end shift). Together, these codes support safe, coordinated, and accountable officer movements.