In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-76 means "En Route" or "Responding". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to indicate that they are actively traveling to a location, whether for routine patrol, emergency response, traffic control, or incident support.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 9, 10-76 to 123 Maple Avenue for reported structure fire."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 9, proceed with caution and update on arrival."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that they are responding to the incident location. Using 10-76 ensures that dispatch and other units are aware of movement, estimated arrival times, and ongoing coordination.
Operational Purpose
10-76 is essential for situational awareness, resource tracking, and effective coordination during both routine and emergency operations. By reporting en route, units keep dispatch informed, allow for proper staging, and ensure that all responding personnel understand which resources are currently in transit.
This code is commonly used for responses to:
- Emergencies such as fires, accidents, or medical incidents
- Traffic stops or hazardous conditions
- Routine patrol assignments or follow-up investigations
- Backup requests or multi-unit coordination
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-76 allows dispatch and nearby units to maintain awareness of active movements. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or provide status updates with 10-23 (arrived on scene). This ensures responders are accounted for and reduces confusion in dynamic or high-traffic environments.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-76 for all movements toward an assignment, while others may specify en route only for emergency responses. Local protocols often define the expected update cadence, the type of information to transmit while en route, and how to report changes in ETA or circumstances.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-76 with phrases such as:
- "Responding to location."
- "En route to incident."
- "Traveling to assigned call."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-76 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-75 (traffic/road hazard). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and efficient response operations.