In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-24 means "Assignment Completed" or "Call Completed". It is used to inform dispatch and other units that a task, incident, or assignment has been fully handled and no further immediate action is required.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 9, 10-24 on the disturbance call."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 9. Thank you for the update."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that the call has been resolved. Using 10-24 provides dispatch with an accurate status update, allowing resources to be reallocated efficiently.
Operational Significance
10-24 is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that all assignments are properly tracked. It informs dispatch that a unit is now available for additional calls or can return to routine duties. This helps prevent duplicated efforts and ensures that field operations remain organized.
Officer Safety And Efficiency
By declaring 10-24, officers communicate their status without the need for lengthy explanations over the radio. Dispatch can then quickly update logs, track unit availability, and redirect other resources as needed. Units may follow up with 10-4 (acknowledgment) to confirm receipt of the status update.
Variations And Agency Practices
Different agencies may apply 10-24 in slightly different contexts. Some use it exclusively for emergency calls, while others apply it to administrative tasks, follow-ups, or any completed assignment. Local procedures may also specify whether additional documentation or reporting is required after a 10-24 declaration.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-24 with phrases such as:
- "Call completed."
- "Assignment finished."
- "Task resolved."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-24 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-8 (in service), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-6 (busy), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes provide a clear, trackable workflow from call assignment through completion.