In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-78 means "Need Assistance" or "Officer Needs Help". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to request immediate support due to an emergency, threat, or dangerous situation, ensuring rapid deployment of additional personnel or resources.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 14, 10-78 at 101 Pine Street, suspect armed and resisting arrest."
- Dispatch: "10-4, backup units en route, additional units notified for immediate assistance."
In this exchange, the officer communicates a critical need for support. Using 10-78 ensures dispatch alerts nearby units, coordinates response strategies, and prioritizes safety for both officers and the public.
Operational Purpose
10-78 is vital for officer safety, rapid incident control, and effective multi-unit response. By reporting the need for assistance promptly, units reduce the risk of injury, prevent escalation of dangerous situations, and allow dispatch to allocate resources efficiently.
This code is commonly used in scenarios such as:
- High-risk traffic stops or arrests
- Active threats involving weapons or violence
- Disturbances or crowd control requiring multiple units
- Medical emergencies where immediate backup is necessary
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-78 ensures situational awareness and coordinated action. Units may provide location using 10-20, acknowledge with 10-4, or report en route status with 10-76. Rapid response minimizes risk, maintains command structure, and ensures all responders are aware of the critical nature of the call.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between non-emergency assistance and urgent 10-78 situations. Local protocols often define the number of units to dispatch, the types of support required, and whether additional specialized units such as SWAT, EMS, or K9 teams should be notified.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-78 with phrases such as:
- "Officer needs backup immediately."
- "Immediate assistance required at location."
- "Emergency support requested."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-78 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), 10-76 (en route/responding), and 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective emergency response.