In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-86 means "Disabled Vehicle", "Abandoned Vehicle", or "Parking Issue". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or traffic units to report vehicles that are disabled, left unattended in prohibited areas, or causing a traffic or safety hazard, allowing prompt resolution and roadway management.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-86 at 1200 Elm Street, abandoned vehicle blocking the curb lane."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 5 noted, tow service notified and traffic advisory issued."
In this exchange, the officer communicates the presence of a disabled or improperly parked vehicle. Using 10-86 ensures dispatch coordinates appropriate action, such as towing, traffic control, or citation issuance, to maintain safety and traffic flow.
Operational Purpose
10-86 is essential for traffic safety, roadway management, and incident prevention. Timely reporting allows dispatch to deploy units, notify towing services, and manage traffic, reducing the risk of collisions or congestion caused by disabled or improperly parked vehicles.
This code is commonly used in situations including:
- Abandoned vehicles blocking traffic lanes or sidewalks
- Disabled vehicles creating a safety hazard
- Vehicles violating parking regulations in critical zones
- Assisting motorists with stranded vehicles or breakdowns
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-86 ensures that dispatch and other units understand the situation and can coordinate effectively. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, request additional support using 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Accurate communication reduces risk, maintains safety, and ensures timely resolution.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies distinguish between simple disabled vehicles, abandoned vehicles, or hazardous parking situations, adjusting response priorities accordingly. Local protocols may define required follow-up, towing procedures, citation issuance, and reporting standards for 10-86 incidents.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-86 with phrases such as:
- "Disabled vehicle reported at location."
- "Abandoned vehicle blocking roadway, units responding."
- "Parking violation or obstruction reported, action required."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-86 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-81 (disabled vehicle/roadside assistance), and 10-75 (traffic/road hazard). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and efficient traffic and roadway management.