In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-89 means "Bomb Threat", "Suspicious Package", or "Hazard Reported". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or emergency personnel to indicate the presence or report of a potentially explosive device or other hazardous materials, allowing immediate response and coordination to protect public safety.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 12, 10-89 at City Hall, suspicious package reported in the lobby."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 12 noted, evacuate area, and bomb squad en route."
In this exchange, the officer communicates a critical safety threat. Using 10-89 ensures that dispatch and other units respond immediately, coordinating evacuation, containment, and specialized support to manage the hazard.
Operational Purpose
10-89 is essential for rapid response to potentially life-threatening situations involving explosive devices or hazardous materials. Reporting a bomb threat or suspicious package ensures timely deployment of emergency personnel, including bomb squads, firefighters, and law enforcement, reducing risk to the public and officers.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Threats made against buildings, vehicles, or public gatherings
- Discovery of suspicious or unattended packages
- Reports of hazardous materials that may pose immediate danger
- Situations requiring evacuation or cordon of public areas
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-89 ensures that dispatch, officers, and specialized units are aware of the severity and urgency of the situation. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or request additional resources using 10-74. Proper communication reduces risk, facilitates organized response, and enhances overall public safety.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between immediate threats, credible threats, and suspicious reports, adjusting response protocols accordingly. Local procedures may define evacuation methods, cordon establishment, reporting requirements, and coordination with bomb squads, hazmat teams, or federal authorities.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-89 with phrases such as:
- "Bomb threat reported at location, evacuate immediately."
- "Suspicious package located, units respond."
- "Hazard reported, establish perimeter and notify specialized teams."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-89 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-76 (en route/responding). Together, these codes enable a coordinated, rapid, and safe response to high-risk situations.