In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-64 means "Abandoned Vehicle" or "Vehicle Investigation". It is used to report a vehicle that appears to be abandoned, improperly parked for an extended period, or suspected of involvement in a crime, enabling dispatch and officers to coordinate investigation, tagging, or removal.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-64 at Maple Avenue and 3rd Street, white pickup parked for over 48 hours."
- Dispatch: "10-4, check VIN, coordinate with tow service if necessary."
In this exchange, the officer reports a potentially abandoned vehicle. Using 10-64 ensures that dispatch can check records, notify relevant units, and coordinate with towing or impound services if required, while also documenting the investigation.
Operational Purpose
10-64 is essential for managing public safety, parking compliance, and crime prevention. Rapid reporting allows officers to determine ownership, assess potential hazards, and ensure that abandoned or suspicious vehicles are removed promptly. It also helps prevent misuse or criminal activity associated with unattended vehicles.
This code is commonly used for vehicles left in residential areas, commercial lots, roadways, or public spaces without apparent activity for an extended period, or for vehicles that may be linked to theft, hit-and-run, or other investigations.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-64 ensures officers and dispatch maintain situational awareness and properly coordinate actions. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or indicate temporary unavailability with 10-6. Coordinated communication ensures safe inspection, tagging, and potential towing of abandoned vehicles.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-64 strictly for vehicles considered abandoned, while others include vehicles suspected of criminal activity or obstruction. Local protocols may define the reporting period, documentation requirements, and notification procedures for towing companies or municipal authorities.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-64 with phrases such as:
- "Abandoned vehicle reported."
- "Suspicious or unattended vehicle investigation."
- "Vehicle parked illegally or left unattended."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-64 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-50 (accident/crash report), 10-51 (wrecker/tow service), and 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective vehicle investigation and removal operations.