In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-69 means "Message Relayed" or "Relay Completed". It is used to confirm that information, instructions, or a message has been successfully passed from one unit, officer, or dispatch center to another, ensuring continuity and clarity in communications.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 7, 10-69, relay suspect description to nearby units."
- Officer: "10-69, dispatch, message relayed to units 12 and 15, awaiting response."
In this exchange, the officer confirms that the dispatch message has been successfully communicated to other units. Using 10-69 ensures that all parties are aware the information has been transmitted and reduces the risk of missed or delayed communication.
Operational Purpose
10-69 is critical for maintaining accurate and timely communication across multiple units or agencies. Proper use allows dispatch and officers to track the flow of information, coordinate responses effectively, and ensure that messages reach the intended recipients without confusion.
This code is commonly used in multi-unit operations, relaying suspect descriptions, traffic alerts, incident updates, or emergency instructions between units, departments, or command centers.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-69 ensures both officers and dispatch maintain situational awareness during operations requiring information relay. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge receipt with 10-68 or 10-4, and update availability with 10-67. Proper coordination reduces miscommunication, delays, and operational errors.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-69 strictly for official information relays, while others apply it to informal updates between units. Local protocols may define the type of messages requiring a 10-69 confirmation, the preferred relay method, and documentation standards for multi-unit operations.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-69 with phrases such as:
- "Message relayed to appropriate units."
- "Information successfully transmitted."
- "Relay completed and acknowledged."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-69 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-68 (dispatch information received), 10-20 (location), 10-66 (suspicious person), and 10-67 (clear/available). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective communication across units.