In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-51 means "Wrecker" or "Tow Service Requested". It is used to request a tow truck or vehicle recovery service following a disabled vehicle, traffic accident, or other situations requiring removal of a vehicle from the roadway.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-51 needed at 10th Street and Elm, two-vehicle collision blocking right lane."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 18, notify wrecker service and provide ETA."
In this exchange, the officer reports that a tow service is required. Using 10-51 ensures that the vehicle is safely removed, traffic flow is restored, and dispatch can coordinate resources efficiently.
Operational Purpose
10-51 is essential for maintaining roadway safety, clearing obstructions, and minimizing traffic congestion after accidents or vehicle breakdowns. Prompt reporting allows dispatch to quickly contact towing companies, coordinate with other units, and manage traffic until the scene is cleared.
This code is commonly used after reporting a 10-50 accident, identifying a disabled vehicle, or when a vehicle poses a hazard and needs to be moved.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-51 ensures officers, dispatch, and tow operators remain coordinated. Officers may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or indicate temporary unavailability with 10-6 while managing the scene. Effective communication reduces risk and improves the speed of vehicle removal.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-51 strictly for accidents, while others include disabled vehicles, abandoned cars, or vehicles blocking emergency access. Local procedures may define which towing service to contact, required documentation, and whether follow-up reporting is needed.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-51 with phrases such as:
- "Tow service requested."
- "Wrecker required."
- "Vehicle removal in progress."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-51 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-50 (accident/crash report), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), and 10-46 (assist motorist/vehicle). Together, these codes support safe, efficient, and coordinated accident response and vehicle removal.