In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-29 means "Check For Wanted / Stolen". It is used to request or report verification of whether a person, vehicle, or item is wanted by law enforcement, stolen, or otherwise flagged in law enforcement databases.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-29 on plate XYZ-9876."
- Dispatch: "10-4, vehicle reported stolen, proceed with caution."
In this exchange, the officer requests a status check on the vehicle. Using 10-29 allows dispatch to provide critical alerts and guidance, ensuring officers are aware of potential risks or outstanding warrants associated with a person or property.
Operational Purpose
10-29 is essential for public safety, traffic enforcement, and investigative operations. It allows officers and dispatch to confirm whether a vehicle or individual is wanted, stolen, or involved in prior incidents, enabling informed decision-making and risk management.
Dispatch can respond with additional instructions, backup requests, or procedural guidance based on the status returned from the database. This ensures officers can take appropriate action while maintaining safety for themselves and the public.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Requesting a 10-29 check provides dispatch with situational awareness about potentially high-risk encounters. Officers may temporarily advise 10-6 (busy) while awaiting the results and confirm acknowledgment of any warnings using 10-4 (acknowledgment). Units may follow up with 10-26 (detaining suspect) if a wanted or stolen status requires action.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies limit 10-29 to vehicle checks, while others apply it to persons, property, or other law enforcement interests. Local procedures may require officers to provide detailed information such as description, location, or suspected violations when initiating a 10-29 query.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-29 with phrases such as:
- "Check for wanted status."
- "Verify if stolen."
- "Run database check for person or vehicle."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-29 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-27 (check identification), 10-28 (vehicle registration check), 10-26 (detaining suspect), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes provide a structured workflow for verification, safety, and operational decision-making.