In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-23 means "Arrived On Scene" or "Standby". It is used to indicate that a unit has reached the location of an assignment, call, or incident and is ready to begin operations or await further instructions.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 11, proceed to the reported disturbance."
- Officer: "10-23, on scene."
In this exchange, the officer informs dispatch that they have arrived at the incident location. Using 10-23 provides situational awareness and allows dispatch to coordinate other units effectively.
Operational Significance
10-23 is essential for tracking the progress of calls and ensuring timely response. It allows dispatch to know which units are actively engaged on-scene, which units remain en route, and which may be available for additional assignments. For emergency or multi-unit responses, this clarity is critical for coordination and safety.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-23 ensures that supervisors and dispatch are aware of an officer’s presence at a potentially hazardous location. It also signals readiness to receive instructions, request backup, or initiate investigative or enforcement actions.
Units may pair 10-23 with 10-4 (acknowledgment) to confirm arrival or 10-18 (urgent/expedite) if rapid action is required upon arrival.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-23 strictly for reporting arrival at the primary incident location, while others also include secondary locations or staging areas. Local procedures may define whether units should immediately update dispatch with additional status details or remain on standby until further instruction.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies favoring plain-language communication may replace 10-23 with phrases such as:
- "On scene."
- "Arrived at location."
- "Standing by for instructions."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-23 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-8 (in service), 10-18 (urgent/expedite), 10-20 (location), and 10-6 (busy). Together, these codes provide a framework for real-time tracking, operational coordination, and officer safety on the scene.