In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-8 means "In Service" or "Available for Calls". It is used to indicate that a unit or officer is on duty, available, and ready to respond to new assignments or emergencies.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, Unit 12 is 10-8."
- Dispatch: "Copy, Unit 12 is now in service and available for calls."
In this exchange, the officer informs dispatch that they are ready and able to respond to incidents. This ensures that resources are accurately tracked and efficiently deployed, especially during busy periods or large-scale operations.
Historical Background
The 10-8 code was established as part of the original APCO 10-code system to provide a concise way for units to indicate availability over limited radio channels. Before modern dispatch tracking and computer-aided systems, quickly communicating operational status via numeric codes was essential to maintaining situational awareness and minimizing channel congestion.
Using 10-8 allowed dispatchers to immediately know which units were available, reducing delays in assigning calls and improving overall response efficiency.
Operational Usage
In practice, 10-8 is transmitted by officers when beginning a shift, returning from a break, or completing a task that had them out of service. Dispatchers rely on this status to allocate calls effectively and prevent overloading units already engaged elsewhere.
Typical scenarios include:
- Beginning a patrol shift or returning to the field
- After completing a prior assignment or incident
- Returning to service after maintenance, refueling, or equipment checks
- Indicating readiness to respond during surge periods or high call volume
Units that are busy or unavailable are typically marked as 10-6 (busy) or 10-7 (out of service) until they can return to active status.
Variations And Regional Interpretation
While 10-8 is widely recognized as “in service,” some agencies interpret it more broadly to include any unit capable of receiving calls, whereas others may combine it with location updates or status checks. Regional differences exist, particularly when multiple agencies share radio channels or during joint operations.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies that use plain-language communication may replace 10-8 with phrases such as:
- "Unit is in service."
- "Available for calls."
- "Back on duty."
These alternatives provide clear status updates, ensuring that all personnel, regardless of familiarity with numeric codes, understand which units are ready for assignment.
Modern Relevance
Even with modern CAD systems and GPS tracking, 10-8 remains a key radio shorthand. Its brevity allows officers to quickly communicate availability, preserving radio bandwidth and ensuring dispatchers can make informed operational decisions in real time.
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-8 include 10-6 (busy), 10-7 (out of service), 10-4 (acknowledgment), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes form a comprehensive system for tracking unit availability, status, and operational readiness.