In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-82 means "Reserve", "On Call", or "Available Units". It is used by officers, dispatchers, and units to indicate that personnel or resources are currently available and ready for assignment, allowing dispatch to effectively allocate responders to calls or incidents.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 12, 10-82 and standing by for next assignment."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 12 noted as available, will be assigned when needed."
In this exchange, the officer communicates their availability for assignments. Using 10-82 ensures dispatch has a clear understanding of resources on standby and can prioritize calls, manage shifts, and coordinate backup efficiently.
Operational Purpose
10-82 is essential for resource management, situational awareness, and rapid deployment of units. By reporting reserve or on-call status, officers and units help dispatch maintain an up-to-date overview of personnel availability, ensuring timely and organized response to incidents.
This code is commonly used in situations including:
- Units returning from a call and awaiting the next assignment
- Officers on standby or reserve duty
- Specialized units such as K9, SWAT, or traffic control teams available for deployment
- Shift changes or coverage adjustments
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-82 ensures that dispatch and other units are aware of available personnel. Units may also report location with 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or indicate readiness to respond with 10-76 (en route). Accurate status reporting allows for efficient coordination, quick response times, and proper coverage across areas of responsibility.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies may use 10-82 to differentiate between fully available units and those limited by equipment, special assignment, or administrative duties. Local protocols often define how frequently availability must be updated and the preferred method for reporting on-call status.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-82 with phrases such as:
- "Unit available for assignment."
- "Standing by for next call."
- "On call and ready to respond."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-82 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-76 (en route/responding), and 10-74 (assist/backup requested). Together, these codes support coordinated, efficient, and flexible resource management.