10-99

Government & Politics abbreviation · Police Code

10-99
Stands forWanted or stolen indicated
CategoriesGovernment & Politics

10-99 stands for Wanted or stolen indicated, a police code abbreviation.

APCO code meaning that a records check shows a person is wanted or a vehicle or item is stolen. In some agencies it is used for an officer in serious trouble.

Example: Dispatch, your subject is 10-99, felony warrant out of Dallas County, confirm before arrest.

Usage notes

Officers who hear 10-99 on a plate or name check usually wait for backup and confirmation before acting. Because the code means very different things in different agencies, it is a classic example used in arguments for plain language.

More police code abbreviations

  • 10-77 – Estimated time of arrival
  • 10-78 – Need assistance
  • 10-8 – In service
  • 10-80 – Pursuit in progress
  • 10-9 – Repeat
  • 10-97 – Check signal
  • 11-99 – Officer needs emergency help
  • 187 – Murder (California Penal Code section 187)
  • 211 – Robbery (California Penal Code section 211)
  • 459 – Burglary (California Penal Code section 459)
  • 5150 – Involuntary psychiatric hold (California Welfare and Institutions…
  • Code 2 – Urgent response without siren

See all 49 police code abbreviations →