In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-97 means "Signal", "Alarm", or "Check Condition". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or security personnel to report a signal received, an alarm triggered, or to request a condition check on a location, person, or system, ensuring timely response and situational awareness.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 2, 10-97 at 220 Maple Avenue, alarm signal received, please verify."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 2 noted, confirm status and respond as needed."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that an alarm or signal has been received and a condition check is required. Using 10-97 ensures dispatch can coordinate a response, verify the situation, and deploy additional units if necessary.
Operational Purpose
10-97 is essential for monitoring, verifying, and responding to signals or alarms. Prompt reporting allows law enforcement or security personnel to assess potential threats, emergencies, or anomalies and take appropriate action to maintain safety and security.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Receiving alarm signals from businesses, banks, or residences
- Monitoring security system alerts or emergency alarms
- Conducting condition checks on locations, personnel, or equipment
- Coordinating response to potential threats or suspicious activity
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-97 ensures dispatch and responding units are aware of the alert. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, request assistance with 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Clear communication facilitates rapid verification and safe resolution of the situation.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between alarms requiring immediate response and routine condition checks. Local procedures may define verification protocols, response priorities, and reporting requirements for 10-97 incidents.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-97 with phrases such as:
- "Alarm signal received, units respond."
- "Check condition at specified location."
- "Security alert reported, verify status."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-97 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-90 (bank or emergency alarm). Together, these codes ensure coordinated, safe, and effective response to alarms and signals.