In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-94 means "Drag Racing", "Traffic Violation", or "Speed Enforcement". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or traffic units to report illegal racing, reckless driving, or speed-related violations that pose a hazard to public safety, ensuring timely response and proper enforcement.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 11, 10-94 on Highway 5 near exit 12, two vehicles racing at high speed."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 11 noted, additional units en route to intercept and ensure safety."
In this exchange, the officer communicates a high-risk traffic violation. Using 10-94 ensures dispatch can coordinate an immediate response, alert nearby units, and manage the situation to prevent accidents or injuries.
Operational Purpose
10-94 is essential for maintaining roadway safety and enforcing traffic laws. Prompt reporting of drag racing or reckless driving allows law enforcement to respond quickly, mitigate risks to the public, and deter dangerous driving behaviors.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Illegal street racing or organized drag races on public roads
- Reckless or high-speed driving endangering pedestrians or other motorists
- Traffic violations that require immediate enforcement action
- Coordinating units to intercept or monitor dangerous driving activity
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-94 ensures dispatch and responding units are aware of the hazard. Officers may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, request backup with 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Coordinated response ensures the safety of the public, officers, and suspects.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between minor traffic violations, serious speeding offenses, and organized racing events, with response protocols tailored accordingly. Local procedures may define citation issuance, pursuit policies, and reporting requirements for 10-94 incidents.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-94 with phrases such as:
- "Illegal street racing reported at location."
- "Reckless driving, units respond immediately."
- "Speed enforcement required, dangerous driving observed."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-94 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 ensure coordinated, safe, and effective traffic enforcement.