In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-88 means "Request", "Advise Intent", or "Follow-Up Required". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to indicate that additional information, instructions, or action is needed regarding a situation, person, or incident, ensuring proper communication and timely follow-up.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 7, 10-88 on previous call at 450 Oak Street, need further instructions."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 7, awaiting your update and will provide guidance shortly."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that additional direction or information is required. Using 10-88 ensures that dispatch and other units understand that follow-up is needed, which helps maintain proper workflow, accountability, and situational awareness.
Operational Purpose
10-88 is critical for efficient decision-making, incident management, and officer communication. By reporting the need for follow-up or advising intent, officers ensure that dispatch can provide guidance, allocate resources, and track unresolved or pending actions. This code prevents misunderstandings and ensures timely resolution of calls or assignments.
This code is commonly used in situations including:
- Requesting additional information from dispatch or other units
- Advising intent to take specific action on a scene
- Indicating that follow-up is required for an ongoing investigation
- Confirming receipt of information while awaiting further instruction
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-88 ensures dispatch and other units are aware that further instructions or support are needed. Units may also report location with 10-20, acknowledge communications with 10-4, or request backup using 10-74. Accurate communication using 10-88 enhances officer safety, supports operational decisions, and ensures all units remain coordinated.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-88 specifically to request supervisory input, additional resources, or follow-up investigations. Local protocols often define the expected response time, reporting format, and level of detail required when using this code.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-88 with phrases such as:
- "Requesting further instructions."
- "Follow-up required on prior call."
- "Advising intent, awaiting guidance."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-88 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-76 (en route/responding), and 10-87 (meet/rendezvous). Together, these codes ensure coordinated, efficient, and safe operations when follow-up or additional direction is required.