In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-99 means "Wanted", "Felony Alert", or "Most Wanted Notification". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or law enforcement personnel to report individuals who are wanted for arrest, subject to a felony warrant, or flagged as high-priority for apprehension, ensuring coordinated and timely response across units.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 3, 10-99, suspect matching description of wanted felon, location Main Street and 9th Avenue."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 3 noted, additional units en route to assist, proceed with caution."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a wanted individual has been observed or contacted. Using 10-99 ensures dispatch can coordinate support, alert other units, and maintain safety while apprehending the suspect.
Operational Purpose
10-99 is critical for public safety, law enforcement coordination, and apprehension of wanted individuals. Prompt reporting allows officers to respond quickly, reduce risk, and coordinate resources to ensure the suspect is taken into custody safely.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Identification of a suspect with an active felony warrant
- Notification of a high-priority or most-wanted individual in the area
- Coordinated response for pursuit or arrest of dangerous individuals
- Communication between units to prevent escape and ensure officer safety
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-99 ensures that all responding units are aware of the presence of a wanted individual and can take appropriate safety measures. Units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, request backup with 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Coordinated communication maximizes officer safety and improves the likelihood of successful apprehension.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies use 10-99 specifically for felony warrants, while others use it for any high-risk wanted individual. Local protocols may define prioritization, pursuit policies, and reporting requirements to maintain officer and public safety during such incidents.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-99 with phrases such as:
- "Wanted individual in the area, units respond."
- "Felony suspect observed, proceed with caution."
- "High-priority suspect alert, coordinate units for apprehension."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-99 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-98 (assignment completed). Together, these codes ensure coordinated, safe, and effective management of wanted or high-priority suspects.