In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-58 means "Direct Traffic" or "Control Hazard". It is used when an officer or unit is actively managing traffic flow, directing vehicles around hazards, accidents, roadblocks, or other obstructions to ensure safety and minimize congestion.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-58 at Main Street and 7th, directing traffic around disabled vehicle."
- Dispatch: "10-4, units nearby advised, maintain safe flow."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that traffic is being controlled at a specific location. Using 10-58 ensures that dispatch and nearby units are aware of traffic management activities and can coordinate additional resources if needed.
Operational Purpose
10-58 is critical for maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow, especially during accidents, roadwork, disabled vehicles, or public events. Prompt reporting allows dispatch to monitor scene safety, alert approaching units, and assist in coordinating traffic patterns to reduce the risk of collisions.
This code is commonly used for directing vehicles around accident scenes, detours, parades, road closures, or any temporary obstruction requiring manual traffic management.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-58 ensures officers, dispatch, and other units maintain situational awareness. Units may report location with 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or indicate temporary unavailability with 10-6 while controlling traffic. Clear communication improves public safety and reduces the risk of secondary accidents.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-58 strictly for officer-directed traffic during emergencies, while others include planned events, construction zones, or pedestrian-heavy areas. Local protocols may define signage, personnel placement, and duration of traffic control responsibilities.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-58 with phrases such as:
- "Traffic being directed."
- "Road hazard management in progress."
- "Officer controlling traffic flow."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-58 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-50 (accident/crash report), 10-53 (roadblock/traffic control/checkpoint), and 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and efficient traffic management operations.