In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-20 means "Location". It is used to request or provide the current position of a unit, officer, vehicle, or other personnel, ensuring dispatch and other units are aware of operational whereabouts.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 12, 10-20?"
- Officer: "10-20, Main Street and 5th Avenue."
In this exchange, the officer is reporting their location in response to a dispatch request. The use of 10-20 ensures situational awareness, allowing dispatch and other units to coordinate effectively.
Operational Importance
10-20 is one of the most frequently used 10-codes because location awareness underpins nearly all operational decisions. Knowing the precise position of units allows dispatch to assign calls efficiently, prevent duplication of effort, and respond quickly to emergencies.
For example, if a unit is requested for a high-priority call, dispatch can determine which officer is closest by referencing 10-20 updates from multiple units.
Integration With Other Codes
10-20 is commonly paired with many other codes to provide context or status. For instance:
- 10-4 (acknowledgment) – confirming location received
- 10-7 (out of service) – reporting location when leaving service
- 10-8 (in service) – reporting location upon resuming service
- 10-19 (return to station) – providing current location while returning
Regular 10-20 updates help maintain accurate tracking of resources, support officer safety, and improve response efficiency.
Variations And Agency Practices
While 10-20 universally means “location,” some agencies require additional details such as street intersection, building number, or geographic coordinates. Others may incorporate 10-20 into digital dispatch systems or GPS-enabled tracking to supplement verbal radio reports.
For new officers, understanding how and when to provide 10-20 is fundamental, as it directly impacts dispatch efficiency and situational awareness.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-20 with phrases such as:
- "What is your location?"
- "Please provide your current position."
- "Where are you?"
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-20 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-7 (out of service), 10-8 (in service), 10-19 (return to station), and 10-6 (busy). Together, these codes form the backbone of operational tracking and situational awareness in public-safety communications.