APCO Radio 10 Codes: Essential Skills for Ontario Security Guards
Effective communication is critical for security operations, particularly in high-pressure situations where clarity and speed are paramount. In Ontario, security guards utilize APCO “10” Codes, a standardized set of brevity codes to streamline radio communications. This blog delves into these codes, offering a comprehensive guide and practical examples of their application in the field.
Introduction to APCO “10” Codes
Originally developed in the late 1930s by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), “10” Codes were created to ensure quick and concise communication across law enforcement agencies. Today, these codes are essential for security guards, allowing them to convey messages succinctly and effectively.
Comprehensive List of APCO “10” Codes Used in Ontario
Here’s a detailed list of the “10” Codes and their intended messages, critical for every security guard’s communication toolkit:
10-0 Use Caution
10-1 Signal Weak
10-2 Signal Good
10-3 Stop Transmitting
10-4 Message Received
10-5 Relay
10-6 Station is Busy
10-7 Out of Service
10-8 In Service
10-9 Repeat
10-10 Fight in Progress
10-11 Animal Problem
10-12 Stand By
10-13 Report Conditions
10-14 Prowler Report
10-15 Civil Disturbance
10-16 Domestic Problem
10-17 Meet Complainant
10-18 Urgent
10-19 Go to Station
10-20 Advise to Location
10-21 Phone _______
10-22 Disregard
10-23 Arrived at Scene
10-24 Assignment Complete
10-25 Report to ________
10-26 Detaining Suspect
10-27 Driver’s License Information
10-28 Vehicle Registration Information
10-29 Check Records for Want
10-30 Unauthorized Use of Radio
10-31 Crime in Progress
10-32 Person with Gun
10-33 Emergency – All Units Stand By
10-34 Riot
10-35 Major Crime Alert
10-36 Correct Time
10-37 Suspicious Vehicle
10-38 Stop Suspicious Vehicle
10-39 Respond with Siren and Flashers
10-40 Do Not Use Siren and Flashers
10-41 Beginning Shift
10-42 End Shift
10-43 Information
10-44 Permission to Leave
10-45 Dead Animal
10-46 Assist Motorist
10-47 Emergency Road Repair
10-48 Traffic Control
10-49 Traffic Signal Out
10-50 Traffic Accident
10-51 Request Tow Truck
10-52 Request Ambulance
10-53 Roadway Blocked
10-54 Livestock on Roadway
10-55 Intoxicated Driver
10-56 Intoxicated Pedestrian
10-57 Hit and Run Accident
10-58 Direct Traffic
10-59 Escort
10-60 Squad in Vicinity
10-61 Personnel in Vicinity
10-62 Reply to Message
10-63 Prepare to Copy
10-64 Local Message
10-65 Net Message
10-66 Cancel Message
10-67 Clear for Net Message
10-68 Dispatch Information
10-69 Message Received
10-70 Fire Alarm
10-71 Advise Nature of Fire
10-72 Report Progress on Fire
10-73 Smoke Report
10-74 Negative
10-75 In Contact With ______
10-76 En Route to ______
10-77 Estimated Time of Arrival
10-78 Request Assistance
10-79 Notify Coroner
10-80 Pursuit in Progress
10-81 Breathalyzer Report
10-82 Reserved Lodgings
10-83 School Crossing Assignment
10-84 If Meeting… Advise ETA
10-85 Arrival Delayed
10-86 Operator on Duty
10-87 Pick Up
10-88 Advise Telephone Number
10-89 Bomb Threat
10-90 Bank Alarm
10-91 Pick Up Subject
10-92 Illegally Parked Vehicle
10-93 Blockage
10-94 Drag Racing
10-95 Subject in Custody
10-96 Detain Subject
10-97 Test Signal
10-98 Prisoner Escape
10-99 Wanted or Stolen
Practical Application of 10 Codes in Security Settings
Scenario Examples
Scenario 1: Emergency Response
Code Used: 10-33 Emergency – All Units Stand By
Context: When a major incident, such as a fire or violent altercation, occurs in a mall, security uses this code to mobilize all units and prepare for coordinated action.
Scenario 2: Routine Patrol Communication
Code Used: 10-23 Arrived at Scene, 10-8 In Service
Context: Upon arriving at a scheduled patrol area, a guard communicates arrival and readiness to address any issues, ensuring continuous monitoring and quick response.
Scenario 3: Traffic Management
Code Used: 10-50 Traffic Accident, 10-51 Request Tow Truck
Context: After witnessing or being alerted to a traffic accident, security personnel will use these codes to report the incident and call for necessary roadside assistance.
The use of APCO “10” Codes is integral to the daily operations of security guards, facilitating effective communication that is vital for maintaining safety and order. By mastering these codes, security personnel ensure they are prepared to handle any situation with professionalism and efficiency, enhancing their capability to protect and serve.
FAQ:
What are the Basic 10 Codes most commonly used?
The most commonly used 10 Codes are:
10-1 Signal Weak
10-2 Signal Good
10-4 Message Received
10-7 Out of Service
10-8 In Service
10-9 Repeat
10-20 Advise to Location
10-23 Arrived at Scene
What are the 10 Codes of security?
10 Codes in security refer to a set of standardized brevity codes used by security personnel to communicate different types of information efficiently over radio transmissions. Examples include 10-10 Fight in Progress, 10-31 Crime in Progress, and 10-95 Subject in Custody.
What is the 10 code for a person’s location?
The 10 code for advising a person’s location is 10-20.
What is a 10 code system?
A 10 code system is a method of communication that uses codes expressed in numbers beginning with “10” followed by another numeral to encode messages. This system is used for clear, quick, and standardized communication, especially among security, law enforcement, and other emergency response professionals.
What is the 10 code standard?
The 10 code standard refers to the universally accepted and used set of codes within public safety and related professions to communicate information succinctly and without misunderstanding.
What does 10/7 mean in radio talk?
In radio communication, 10-7 means “Out of Service.”
Why do people say 10-4?
People say 10-4 to acknowledge that they have received and understood the message.
What does code 7 mean?
In some contexts, Code 7 can refer to “Taking a break” or “Out of service for a break,” but it can vary by region and department.
What are all the codes for cops?
The codes for police vary widely by region and department, but common ones include:
10-4 Message Received
10-6 Busy
10-7 Out of Service
10-8 In Service
10-20 Location
10-31 Crime in Progress
10-78 Need Assistance
What are the most important codes?
Important codes include:
10-33 Emergency, All Units Stand By
10-78 Need Assistance
10-31 Crime in Progress
What does code 5 mean?
Code 5 generally means “Undercover operations” or “Stakeout” and is used to inform units to stay out of the area to avoid blowing a cover.
What does 10/4 mean on a walkie talkie?
On a walkie talkie, 10-4 means “Message Received and Understood.”
What’s your 20 meaning?
“What’s your 20?” is a way to ask “What is your location?” based on the 10 Code, 10-20, for location.
Do you say over after Roger?
In radio communication, “Roger” means “Received,” and “Over” indicates the end of a communication or that a response is expected. Typically, you say “Roger” to acknowledge and “Over” if you are handing over the communication to another person or ending your turn.
What does Roger Wilco mean?
“Roger Wilco” is used in radio communication to mean “Received and Will Comply.” It’s often used in military contexts.
What does 86 mean in walkie talkie?
In general slang, “86” is used to mean “Remove” or “Get rid of something.”
It’s not a standard 10 Code but is commonly used in restaurant and bar settings.
What does 20 mean in radio talk?
In radio talk, “20” refers to location, stemming from the 10 Code 10-20.
What does 10/20 mean?
10-20 is the code for “Advise to Location,” used to request or communicate one’s location.
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