In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-22 means "Disregard" or "Cancel". It is used to advise that a previously issued message, assignment, or request should be ignored or is no longer necessary.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 45, respond to the reported disturbance."
- Officer: "10-22, situation resolved before arrival."
In this exchange, the officer is notifying dispatch that the earlier assignment or message no longer requires action. Using 10-22 prevents unnecessary response and keeps radio traffic clear for other priorities.
Operational Purpose
10-22 plays a critical role in maintaining efficiency and situational awareness. It allows dispatch and units to quickly cancel tasks, redirect resources, and avoid duplication of effort. Whether canceling a call, message, or other directive, 10-22 ensures that all personnel are working from the most current operational information.
Radio Discipline And Safety
Proper use of 10-22 reduces confusion and potential errors. It helps prevent officers from responding to outdated calls, protects personnel from unnecessary exposure, and preserves time-sensitive radio bandwidth for higher-priority traffic.
Dispatch may pair 10-22 with 10-4 (acknowledgment) to confirm the cancellation, or with 10-6 (busy) when a unit is diverted from the canceled task to other duties.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-22 for minor administrative cancellations, while others reserve it for operational or emergency call cancellations. Local protocol determines whether a plain-language follow-up is required to ensure all units clearly understand the cancellation.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-22 with phrases such as:
- "Cancel previous assignment."
- "Disregard earlier message."
- "No action required."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-22 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-8 (in service), 10-6 (busy), 10-20 (location), and 10-21 (call by telephone). Together, these codes help maintain clarity, efficiency, and situational awareness across radio communications.