What Does Police Code 10-51 Mean?

Police Code	Meaning in General Purpose	When to Use in General Purpose	Example in General Purpose	Meaning in APCO	When to Use in APCO	Example in APCO	Meaning in Norfolk, VA	When to Use in Norfolk, VA	Example in Norfolk, VA	Meaning in Walnut Creek, CA	When to Use in Walnut Creek, CA	Example in Walnut Creek, CA
10-51	Wrecker Needed	When a vehicle needs to be removed from a scene due to an accident or obstruction.	Officer: “Dispatch, we have a 10-51 at the intersection of 6th and Elm. The car’s blocking the lane, and we need a wrecker.” Dispatch: “10-4, Unit 4. A wrecker will be on the way.”	Dispatch Wrecker	When a wrecker needs to be dispatched to a scene for vehicle removal.	Officer: “Dispatch, we need a 10-51 at the corner of Main and 3rd. Send a wrecker for the overturned vehicle.” Dispatch: “Copy that, Unit 7. We’re sending a wrecker now.”	General Message	For sending or receiving general messages in Norfolk, VA.	Officer: “Norfolk dispatch, this is Unit 8. 10-51, we’re requesting information on the next scheduled patrol.” Dispatch: “10-4, Unit 8. I’ll send the details shortly.”	Drunk	When an individual is found to be intoxicated and requires assistance.	Officer: “Dispatch, we have a 10-51 at the park. The individual here is clearly drunk and needs assistance.” Dispatch: “Understood, Unit 5. We’ll send a unit to assist immediately.”

Police code 10-51 is used to indicate that a wrecker or tow truck is needed at a scene. This code can vary in meaning based on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances.

Police code 10-51 generally signifies the need for a wrecker to be dispatched to an incident.

This typically involves a situation where vehicle removal is required, such as after an accident or when a vehicle is obstructing traffic.

What Does Police 10-51 Code Mean in General Purpose?

In general purpose, police code 10-51 means “Wrecker Needed.” This code is used when a tow truck is required to remove a vehicle from a location due to an accident, breakdown, or obstruction.

When to Use Code 10-51 in General Purpose

Use code 10-51 when:

A vehicle needs to be towed from an accident scene.
A vehicle is causing an obstruction and needs removal.
There’s a situation where a tow truck is necessary for vehicle recovery.

Example in Action for Police Code 10-51 in General Purpose

Scenario:
Officer: “Dispatch, we have a 10-51 at the intersection of 6th and Elm. The car’s blocking the lane, and we need a wrecker.”

Dispatch Response:
“10-4, Unit 4. A wrecker will be on the way.”

What Does 10-51 Police Code Mean in APCO?

In APCO (Association of Police Communications Officers), police code 10-51 is used to request the dispatch of a wrecker.

When to Use Code 10-51 in APCO

Use code 10-51 when:

A wrecker needs to be dispatched to an incident scene.
There’s a need for vehicle removal due to an accident or obstruction.

Example in Action for Police Code 10-51 in APCO

Scenario:
Officer: “Dispatch, we need a 10-51 at the corner of Main and 3rd. Send a wrecker for the overturned vehicle.”

Dispatch Response:
“Copy that, Unit 7. We’re sending a wrecker now.”

What Does Code 10-51 Mean in Norfolk, VA?

In Norfolk, VA, police code 10-51 is used as a general message code.

When to Use Code 10-51 in Norfolk, VA

Use code 10-51 for:

Sending or receiving general messages related to various operations.
Communicating routine updates or information.

Example in Action for Police Code 10-51 in Norfolk, VA

Scenario:
Officer: “Norfolk dispatch, this is Unit 8. 10-51, we’re requesting information on the next scheduled patrol.”

Dispatch Response:
“10-4, Unit 8. I’ll send the details shortly.”