What is a common meaning for '10-20' in ten-codes, and how should agencies handle variations?

• A. Location; however, meanings vary by agency and should be based on local policy.
• B. Time of day.
• C. Urgency level.
• D. Direction of travel.

Answer: (A)

Understanding ten-codes relies on how each agency defines and uses them. The common meaning of 10-20 is location, which is why a department should codify this in its local policy and ensure all personnel are trained to use that definition consistently. Because meanings can vary from one agency to another, relying on a local codebook or policy prevents confusion during dispatches and field calls. When there is any doubt, responders should refer to the agency’s policy or request clarification rather than assuming a universal interpretation. For cross-agency or mutual-aid operations, having a clearly documented standard or quick-access reference helps everyone stay on the same page. Time of day, urgency level, and direction of travel are not the typical interpretation of 10-20 in most ten-code systems; those concepts are usually conveyed by different codes or phrasing within a given agency.