Under the National Incident Management System (NIMS), people are supposed to avoid use of acronyms and 10 codes on the radio, such as 10-4. (Though that one is probably OK). They vary too much from department to department, which inhibits communication in joint operations.They also can vary a wee bit in severity. For example, 10-89 can mean a bomb threat, but for the Salt Lake County Sheriff, it means stolen bicycle. Other examples:
| 10-31 * Explosion/bomb incident * In pursuit * Clogged incinerator (FDNY) * Is a lie detector available? | 10-34 * Riot * Jailbreak * Sprinkler problem (FDNY) * Correct time? |
| 10-38 * Fire * Stopping suspicious vehicle * Steam leak * Vomit (Six Flags Amusement Park) | 10-40 * Fight * False alarm * Dead animal * Mental patient * Lunch |
| 10-60 * Major emergency (FDNY) * Assist motorist * Ball-playing in street * Coffee break | 10-70 * Bomb * Prowler * Fire Alarm * Need tow truck |
| 10-80 * Bomb has exploded * Chase in progress * Tower Lights Out * Dead animal * Lunch time | 10-85 * Sniper * Stabbing * Theft * Delayed * Loose Livestock |
| 10-87 * Dead body * Kidnapping * Pickup payroll check * Tea Break | 10-95 * Bomb scare * Reckless driving * Computer Check * On duty |
| 10-71 * Exploded Bomb * Shooting * Advise nature of fire * Lewd or Sexual Act | 10-100 * Misdemeanor Warrant * Dead body * Hot pursuit * Using restroom |
I could see these leading to some major misunderstandings.
