In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-50 means "Accident" or "Crash Report". It is used to report motor vehicle accidents, collisions, or crash scenes, enabling dispatch to coordinate emergency response, traffic management, and documentation of the incident.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-50 at 9th Street and Maple, two-vehicle collision, no injuries reported."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 22, alert tow service and redirect traffic if needed."
In this exchange, the officer communicates a crash scene to dispatch. Using 10-50 ensures that emergency services, nearby units, and relevant departments are informed promptly, enabling efficient coordination and safety management.
Operational Purpose
10-50 is crucial for maintaining roadway safety, documenting incidents, and coordinating response resources. Timely reporting allows dispatch to assign additional units, notify fire or EMS if required, and implement traffic control measures to prevent secondary accidents.
This code is commonly used for minor fender-benders, multi-vehicle collisions, hit-and-run reports, or any crash requiring officer presence, documentation, and potential assistance.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-50 ensures that officers maintain situational awareness and coordinate with dispatch and other responding units. Officers may acknowledge instructions with 10-4, update location with 10-20, or report temporary unavailability with 10-6 while managing the scene. Clear communication reduces risk to both officers and the public.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-50 strictly for traffic collisions, while others include pedestrian or bicycle incidents. Local procedures may define the level of detail required, documentation protocols, and follow-up reporting to insurance, traffic authorities, or city departments.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-50 with phrases such as:
- "Accident reported."
- "Crash on roadway."
- "Collision in progress."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-50 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-46 (assist motorist/vehicle), and 10-49 (traffic/road hazard). Together, these codes help ensure safe, coordinated, and effective accident response and traffic management.