What Is 10-7

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 10-7 is a police radio code that indicates an officer is out of service and temporarily unavailable for dispatch. This standardized code, adopted by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) in 1937, remains one of the most widely recognized signals in law enforcement communication across North America.

Key Facts

10-7 originated from the 10-code system standardized by APCO in 1937 for radio communication efficiency
Officers use 10-7 to signal they are temporarily unavailable due to breaks, reports, or equipment maintenance
The 10-code system includes over 100 codes and remains the standard for police radio communication across most North American agencies
When officers return to availability, they transmit 10-8 (in service) to resume accepting dispatch assignments
Despite modern digital dispatch technology, law enforcement continues using 10-7 due to its universal recognition and reliability

Overview

10-7 is a radio code used by law enforcement agencies across North America to indicate that an officer is out of service and temporarily unavailable for dispatch. This standardized code became part of the official communications protocol adopted by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) in 1937, establishing a universal system for radio communication in emergency services.

The 10-code system revolutionized police communication by providing quick, standardized phrases that could be transmitted efficiently over radio frequencies when bandwidth was limited and sound quality was poor. The "10" prefix followed by a number created a shorthand that all trained officers could immediately understand, regardless of their agency or region. 10-7 specifically tells dispatchers and other units that the transmitting officer is temporarily unavailable and should not be assigned new calls.

How It Works

The 10-7 code functions within a broader framework of police communication protocols. Understanding how and when officers use this code provides insight into modern law enforcement dispatch operations:

Status Indication: When an officer transmits "10-7," they are informing the dispatcher and all other units on the channel that they are out of service. This prevents the dispatcher from assigning them to new calls or incidents.
Temporary Unavailability: Unlike a permanent departure or shift change, 10-7 indicates a temporary status. An officer might use 10-7 when taking a break, handling personal business, conducting a report, or attending to equipment maintenance.
Duration Flexibility: The code does not specify a precise duration of unavailability. An officer might be 10-7 for 15 minutes while on a meal break or several hours while processing evidence, depending on the situation.
Radio Protocol: Officers typically state their unit number and code together, such as "Unit 23 is 10-7." Dispatchers acknowledge the status and update their records accordingly, ensuring accurate tracking of available personnel.
Clear Signal: When ready to return to service, an officer will transmit "10-8" (in service) to indicate they are again available for assignment. This creates a clear on-off status system for dispatch purposes.

Key Comparisons

The 10-code system includes dozens of codes used in law enforcement. Understanding how 10-7 fits within this larger framework helps clarify its specific purpose:

Code	Meaning	Usage Context
10-4	Acknowledged	Officer confirms receipt and understanding of a message
10-7	Out of Service	Officer is temporarily unavailable for new dispatch assignments
10-8	In Service	Officer is available and ready to respond to calls
10-10	Off Duty	Officer has completed their shift and left duty
10-13	Officer Needs Assistance	Emergency signal indicating an officer is in danger or requires immediate backup
10-54	Possible Dead Body	Indicates a location where human remains may be present

Why It Matters

The 10-7 code remains crucial to police operations and public safety efficiency for several important reasons:

Dispatch Efficiency: By quickly signaling status changes, 10-7 ensures dispatchers always know which officers are available. This prevents delays in emergency response and ensures the fastest possible assignment of units to urgent calls.
Safety Management: Accurate personnel status tracking helps supervisors monitor officer locations and availability, which is essential for officer safety and coordinating multiple-unit responses to complex incidents.
Universal Communication: The standardized nature of 10-codes means any officer from any agency can communicate with officers from other jurisdictions during mutual aid operations, preventing confusion and miscommunication in critical situations.
Historical Continuity: Despite advances in digital dispatch technology, agencies continue using 10-7 because officers are trained on these codes and recognize them instantly, making them more reliable than newer systems during radio degradation.

In modern policing, while many departments have adopted computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and digital communication platforms, the 10-7 code remains embedded in police culture and training. New officers learn these codes during academy training, and experienced officers continue using them alongside digital systems. The longevity of 10-7 and other 10-codes demonstrates how effective simple, standardized communication systems can be, even in an era of advanced technology. As long as officers use radio communication for any purpose, codes like 10-7 will likely remain part of the law enforcement vocabulary.