In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-65 means "Missing Person" or "Attempt to Locate". It is used to report a person who is missing, endangered, or otherwise requires active search, enabling dispatch and law enforcement units to coordinate efforts, share information, and initiate a systematic response.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-65 for a missing juvenile last seen at Oak Park, wearing a blue jacket."
- Dispatch: "10-4, all units in the area advised, begin search and canvass nearby streets."
In this exchange, the officer reports a missing person. Using 10-65 ensures that dispatch can alert other units, gather witness information, coordinate search efforts, and maintain communication to maximize safety and efficiency.
Operational Purpose
10-65 is critical for protecting vulnerable individuals, preventing harm, and quickly locating missing persons. Rapid reporting allows officers to deploy resources efficiently, notify specialized units if needed, and coordinate with other agencies such as child protective services, hospitals, or community watch groups.
This code is commonly used for children, elderly individuals with cognitive impairments, persons with disabilities, or anyone reported missing under circumstances that could pose immediate risk to their safety.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-65 ensures officers and dispatch maintain situational awareness during searches and investigations. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or indicate temporary unavailability with 10-6. Coordinated communication reduces risk, improves search efficiency, and enhances the likelihood of a safe recovery.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-65 specifically for children or high-risk cases, while others include adults or individuals lost in hazardous environments. Local protocols may define search procedures, information required for dispatch, and the involvement of air units, K9 teams, or community alert systems.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-65 with phrases such as:
- "Missing person reported."
- "Attempt to locate individual."
- "Search initiated for lost or endangered person."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-65 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-60 (air support), and 10-55 (intoxicated driver/related traffic alerts). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective search and recovery operations.