10 6 Police Code: Meaning in General-purpose, APCO, VA, and CA

10 6 police code is used in various systems and regions with slight variations in meaning. It typically signifies that an officer or unit is busy and unavailable for immediate response, unless the situation is urgent. It may also be used for specific actions, such as requesting a change of radio channels or handling investigations.

System/Region	Police Code	Meaning	When to Use	Example in Action
General Purpose	10-6	Busy – Unless Urgent	Officer is busy with another task and can’t respond unless urgent. Notifying dispatch that they are unavailable for routine calls.	“Unit 4, respond to a minor traffic incident at Elm Street.” “Unit 4: 10-6, busy. Please prioritize urgent calls.”
APCO	10-6	Busy	Officer is occupied with an ongoing task. Indicating temporary unavailability for additional calls.	“Dispatch: Unit 5, assist at the downtown robbery scene.” “Unit 5: 10-6, currently busy. Advise if critical.”
Norfolk, VA	10-6	Investigation Police or Fire	Active investigation of a police or fire incident. Ongoing analysis or evaluation of a scene.	“Dispatch: Unit 7, status update on the house fire investigation?” “Unit 7: 10-6, investigating. Will report findings shortly.”
Walnut Creek, CA	10-6	Change Radio Channel	Switching to a different radio frequency. Communication required on an alternate or secure channel.	“Dispatch: Unit 3, switch to Channel 4 for secure communication.” “Unit 3: 10-6, changing radio channel now.”

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What Does 10 6 Police Code Mean for General Purpose?

For General-purpose, 10 6 police code means: Busy – Unless Urgent.

This indicates that the officer or unit is tied up with a task or responsibility and cannot respond to new calls unless the matter is deemed urgent. It helps dispatchers manage resources efficiently.

When is Police Code 10-6 Used for General Purpose?

• When an officer or unit is occupied with an ongoing task (such as an investigation or traffic stop) and cannot respond to new assignments.
• When the officer is in the middle of a non-urgent matter and cannot be disturbed unless the situation is a high priority.

Example of Police Code 10-6 in Action for General Purpose

• Officer 1: “Dispatch, 10-6, I’m busy unless it’s urgent.”
• Dispatcher: “Roger that, Unit 5. I’ll hold the rest of the requests.”

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What Does Police Code 10-6 Mean for Association of Police Communication Officer APCO?

For the APCO (Association of Police Communications Officers) system, Police Code 10-6 stands for Busy, indicating that an officer or unit is currently occupied and not available for immediate responses.

When is Police Code ten 6 Used for APCO?

• When the officer or unit is unable to take on new assignments or calls.
• When a situation is non-urgent, and the officer is currently focused on a different task.

Example of Police 10-6 Code in Action for APCO

• Dispatcher: “Unit 3, 10-6, busy?”
• Officer 3: “Affirmative, I’m currently handling a traffic stop.”

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What Does Police Code 10-6 Mean for Norfolk, VA Virginia?

In Norfolk, VA Virginia: code ten six means Investigation Police or Fire.

This variation of Police Code 10-6 specifies that the officer is involved in an investigation and cannot respond to new calls unless it’s an urgent matter.

When is Cop Code 10-6 Used for Norfolk, VA?

• When an officer is in the middle of a police investigation.
• When an officer is investigating a fire-related incident and cannot leave the scene unless required.

Example of Cop Code 10-6 in Action for Norfolk, VA

• Officer 1: “Unit 6, 10-6, investigating a fire. Please hold the other calls.”
• Dispatcher: “Copy that, Unit 6, continuing to hold.”

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What Does Police Code 10-6 Mean for Walnut Creek, CA California?

In Walnut Creek, CA California, Police Code 10-6 stands for Change Radio Channel.

This meaning is specific to Walnut Creek and refers to the need to switch the radio channel for better communication during certain operations.

When is Police Code 10-6 Used for Walnut Creek, CA?

• When officers need to switch communication channels due to operational needs or changes in response zones.
• When dispatchers direct an officer to move to a different frequency for better coordination.

Example of Code 10-6 in Action for Walnut Creek, CA

• Officer 2: “Dispatch, 10-6, requesting to switch to Channel 3.”
• Dispatcher: “Unit 2, switching to Channel 3. Please confirm.”

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