In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-83 means "Work In Progress", "Surveillance", or "Investigation Ongoing". It is used by officers, detectives, or units to indicate that an active operation, observation, or investigation is currently underway, helping dispatch and other personnel track ongoing efforts and avoid unnecessary interference.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 8, 10-83 on suspected burglary at 222 Oak Street, maintaining surveillance."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 8 noted, maintain position and report any significant activity."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a surveillance or investigative operation is in progress. Using 10-83 ensures that dispatch and other units are aware of ongoing activities and can coordinate without disrupting the operation.
Operational Purpose
10-83 is critical for maintaining operational awareness, protecting evidence, and ensuring officer safety during investigations. By reporting work in progress, officers prevent miscommunication, reduce duplication of effort, and maintain orderly command over sensitive situations.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Ongoing surveillance of suspects or locations
- Active investigations or follow-ups on incidents
- Stakeouts, stake-ins, or observation posts
- Operations requiring quiet, coordinated monitoring
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-83 ensures all units and dispatch understand that an operation is underway. Units may provide location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, or request assistance if needed using 10-74. Proper communication helps avoid unintentional interruption, ensures safety, and maintains investigative integrity.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies may differentiate 10-83 by type of investigation, duration, or operational sensitivity. Protocols often define whether multiple units can report the same operation, how updates are communicated, and when status changes should be transmitted to dispatch.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-83 with phrases such as:
- "Investigation in progress at location."
- "Surveillance ongoing, maintain position."
- "Work in progress, do not disturb operation."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-83 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-76 (en route/responding), and 10-74 (assist/backup requested). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and discreet investigative operations.