10 Codes

In APCO 10-codes, 10-81 refers to "Breathalyzer Test."

This code is used primarily by law enforcement to indicate that a breath test is being administered to a suspect, usually in relation to driving under the influence (DUI) cases. When an officer communicates a 10-81, it alerts other officers or dispatch that the subject is undergoing a breath alcohol test to determine their blood alcohol content (BAC).

For example, a radio exchange might look like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-80 refers to "Chase in Progress."

This code is used by law enforcement officers to indicate that they are currently involved in a vehicle pursuit or chase, typically involving a suspect trying to evade arrest. The use of 10-80 alerts other units and dispatch to the situation, prompting them to provide assistance or monitor the chase for safety reasons.

For example, communication might look like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-8 means "In Service."

This indicates that an officer or unit is available for duty and ready to respond to calls. When a unit is 10-8, it signifies that they are operational and can take assignments from dispatch. For example:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-79 refers to "Notify Coroner."

This code is used by law enforcement and emergency responders to indicate that a situation has occurred that requires the notification of the coroner's office. This typically follows incidents such as fatalities, suspicious deaths, or any circumstance where a coroner's involvement is necessary for the investigation.

For example, a communication might go as follows:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-78 refers to "Need Assistance."

This code is utilized by law enforcement and emergency services to indicate that a unit requires additional help or backup at a particular scene or situation. It’s an important communication tool, especially in high-stress environments, ensuring that support can be dispatched quickly to assist the requesting unit.

For example, a typical exchange might look like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-77 refers to "ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)."

This code is used to communicate the expected arrival time of a unit or individual to a specific location. It's particularly useful in situations where timing is crucial, such as emergencies or coordinated operations, allowing dispatchers and other units to know when assistance or backup will arrive.

For example, a typical exchange might look like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-76 refers to "En route."

This code is used to indicate that a unit or individual is on their way to a specified location or destination. It's a way for officers or dispatchers to communicate that assistance or a response is in transit, which is important for situational awareness and coordination during emergencies or incidents.

For example, a typical exchange might look like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-75 refers to "In contact with."

This code is used to indicate that a unit or individual is currently in communication with someone or has made contact with a particular person or entity. It serves as a way for officers or dispatchers to communicate that they are engaged with another party, which can be crucial for coordinating actions or responses during various incidents.

For example, a typical exchange might go like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-74 refers to "Negative."

This code is used to indicate that the answer to a previous question or inquiry is negative or that something is not present or does not exist. It is often employed in communication to confirm that a request or report does not yield any results or that the situation described is not occurring.

For example, a typical exchange might go like this:

In APCO 10-codes, 10-73 refers to "Smoke report."

This code is used by law enforcement and emergency services personnel to indicate that smoke has been observed in a specific area, which may signal a potential fire or other hazardous situation. The use of 10-73 facilitates clear communication about smoke sightings, helping responders assess the situation and take necessary actions.

For example, a communication might look like this: