In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-93 means "Illegal Parking", "Special Enforcement", or "Vehicle Hazard". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or traffic personnel to report vehicles violating parking regulations in ways that create hazards, require enforcement attention, or necessitate special handling to ensure public safety and traffic flow.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 5, 10-93 at 300 Elm Street, vehicle blocking crosswalk and fire lane."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 5 noted, initiate citation and arrange towing if necessary."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a vehicle is illegally parked and creating a hazard. Using 10-93 ensures dispatch can coordinate enforcement, notify towing, and maintain safe traffic conditions.
Operational Purpose
10-93 is crucial for maintaining traffic safety, emergency access, and compliance with parking laws. Prompt reporting allows officers to address hazards caused by illegal parking, reducing the risk of accidents, congestion, or blocked emergency routes.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Vehicles parked in no-parking zones, handicapped areas without proper permits, or fire lanes
- Blocking intersections, crosswalks, or driveways, creating hazards
- Vehicles posing a risk to emergency access or pedestrian safety
- Situations requiring immediate enforcement action or special handling
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-93 ensures dispatch, units, and towing services are aware of the situation. Officers may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or request backup using 10-74. Clear communication facilitates safe handling of the vehicle and coordination of enforcement actions.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between minor parking infractions, hazardous violations, and repeated offenders. Local procedures often define citation issuance, towing authority, enforcement priorities, and reporting requirements for 10-93 incidents.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-93 with phrases such as:
- "Vehicle illegally parked, creating hazard."
- "Special enforcement required for blocked intersection or crosswalk."
- "Traffic hazard reported due to parking violation."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-93 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-92 (improperly parked vehicle). Together, these codes ensure coordinated, safe, and effective enforcement of parking regulations.