In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-74 means "Assist Other Units" or "Emergency Backup Requested". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to request additional support from nearby personnel, whether for law enforcement, traffic control, or emergency situations requiring multiple responders.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Unit 12, 10-74 at Main Street and 5th Avenue, requesting backup for crowd control."
- Dispatch: "10-4, units 7 and 15 en route to assist."
In this exchange, the officer indicates a situation that requires additional units for safety or operational effectiveness. Using 10-74 ensures that backup arrives promptly, preventing escalation and maintaining officer safety.
Operational Purpose
10-74 is critical for coordinated response to high-risk, high-traffic, or potentially dangerous situations. Requesting assistance allows officers to maintain control, ensures proper coverage, and supports rapid intervention when multiple units are needed.
This code is commonly used during:
- Traffic stops involving multiple vehicles or suspects
- Public events requiring crowd management
- Active emergencies or potentially volatile situations
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-74 ensures all units and dispatch maintain situational awareness. Responding units may report location with 10-20, acknowledge assignment with 10-4, or update availability using 10-67. Proper coordination prevents gaps in coverage, reduces risk to officers and the public, and ensures that assistance arrives efficiently.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-74 for any assistance request, while others reserve it strictly for emergency backup. Local protocols may define when the code is appropriate, the number of units to respond, and additional instructions to ensure coordinated response.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-74 with phrases such as:
- "Requesting backup."
- "Additional units needed at location."
- "Assistance required for ongoing operation."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-74 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-6 (busy/out of service), and 10-67 (clear/available). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective multi-unit response operations.