In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-27 means "Check Identification" or "Driver’s License Check". It is used to request or report verification of an individual’s identification, often through a driver’s license, identification card, or other official documentation.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-27 on a driver at the checkpoint."
- Dispatch: "10-4, proceed and report results."
In this exchange, the officer informs dispatch that an identification check is in progress. Using 10-27 ensures that dispatch is aware of verification activities and can maintain records, coordinate backup if needed, and track the status of the stop.
Operational Purpose
10-27 is critical for maintaining accurate law enforcement records, confirming identities, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It is commonly used during traffic stops, field investigations, or any situation where the identity of a person needs to be verified.
Dispatch may monitor 10-27 checks to manage unit workload, provide additional information, or flag any alerts in databases such as stolen vehicle reports, warrants, or other law enforcement advisories.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Requesting or reporting a 10-27 allows dispatch to remain aware of the officer’s engagement and potential risks. Officers may temporarily advise 10-6 (busy) while performing checks, then confirm completion using 10-4 (acknowledgment) or proceed with further actions such as 10-26 (detaining suspect) if a violation or arrest occurs.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-27 strictly for driver’s license verification, while others extend it to include checking other forms of identification, permits, or credentials. Local protocols may dictate whether results are reported verbally over the radio or logged digitally for administrative purposes.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-27 with phrases such as:
- "Check ID."
- "Verify driver’s license."
- "Confirm identity."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-27 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-6 (busy), 10-20 (location), 10-26 (detaining suspect), and 10-21 (call by telephone). Together, these codes support clear identification verification, officer safety, and operational coordination.