In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-91 means "Animal Problem", "Stray Animal", or "Dangerous Animal". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or animal control personnel to report situations involving animals that may pose a threat to public safety, property, or themselves, ensuring timely response and appropriate handling.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 3, 10-91 at 450 Maple Avenue, loose dog acting aggressively."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 3 noted, animal control notified, approach with caution."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a potentially dangerous animal is present. Using 10-91 ensures dispatch and other units respond appropriately, coordinating with animal control or other support services to protect public safety and manage the situation.
Operational Purpose
10-91 is essential for maintaining public safety, preventing injury, and managing animal-related incidents. Reporting animal problems promptly allows dispatch to deploy the right personnel, whether law enforcement or animal control, and ensures that appropriate measures are taken to contain, capture, or remove the animal.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Stray or loose animals creating traffic hazards or public safety concerns
- Dangerous or aggressive animals threatening people or property
- Animal incidents requiring law enforcement or animal control response
- Reporting injured or trapped animals needing assistance
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-91 ensures dispatch, officers, and animal control are aware of potential risks. Units may report location with 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or request backup using 10-74. Proper communication reduces the risk of injury, ensures coordinated response, and allows for safe handling of the animal.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between stray animals, domestic pets, wildlife, or dangerous species, assigning varying levels of response priority. Local protocols may define capture methods, reporting requirements, citation issuance, or coordination with local animal shelters or wildlife authorities.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-91 with phrases such as:
- "Loose or dangerous animal reported at location."
- "Stray animal causing hazard, units respond."
- "Aggressive animal situation, exercise caution."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-91 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, safe, and efficient response to animal-related incidents.