In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-25 means "Meet Officer" or "Contact". It is used to request or confirm that an officer, unit, or supervisor meet another officer or party at a specified location, often for coordination, briefing, or information exchange.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 14, 10-25 with Sergeant at the station."
- Officer: "10-25, en route."
In this exchange, the officer acknowledges the request to meet and will proceed to the indicated location. Using 10-25 ensures clear coordination and accountability between units and command personnel.
Operational Purpose
10-25 is commonly used for briefings, transfer of information, review of reports, or coordination of multi-unit activities. It helps maintain effective communication and ensures that essential information is exchanged efficiently and securely.
Dispatch may track units on a 10-25 task to monitor availability and workload, ensuring other resources are appropriately assigned while the meeting occurs.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Reporting a 10-25 status provides transparency and situational awareness, especially in complex operations. Units may temporarily advise 10-6 (busy) while attending the meeting or briefing. Once the meeting is complete, officers can update their status using 10-8 (in service) or 10-24 (assignment completed) as appropriate.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-25 specifically for officer-to-officer meetings, while others apply it more broadly to include contact with witnesses, complainants, or other personnel. Local protocol may define the expected reporting method and level of detail required when declaring 10-25.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-25 with phrases such as:
- "Meet with officer."
- "Contact assigned personnel."
- "Proceed to briefing or meeting."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-25 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-8 (in service), 10-24 (assignment completed), 10-20 (location), and 10-6 (busy). Together, these codes ensure smooth coordination, accountability, and operational efficiency.