In radio communications, the code 10-22 serves as a standardized instruction meaning "disregard last transmission" or "cancel last message." It is used across various platforms, including law enforcement scanners, CB radios, and private security frequencies, to quickly nullify a previous statement or action request without cluttering the airwaves with lengthy explanations.
The Fundamental Meaning of 10-22
The term "10-22" is a component of the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) Ten-Signals, commonly known as ten-codes. When a dispatcher or field unit broadcasts "10-22," they are effectively hitting an "undo" button for the information provided in the immediately preceding transmission.
The necessity of 10-22 arises from the high-pressure, fast-moving environment of emergency dispatch. Information is often fluid; a report of a suspicious vehicle might be resolved seconds after it is broadcast, or a unit might be dispatched to an emergency only for a closer unit to become available. In these instances, saying "10-22 that call" is the most efficient way to clear the status of the units involved and prepare the frequency for the next priority.
While the phrase "disregard" is the universal translation, the implications of a 10-22 can vary depending on the context of the transmission. It might mean that a suspect is no longer a threat, a medical call was a false alarm, or a technical error occurred during the verbalization of a license plate or address. In all cases, the primary function remains the same: the previous message is now void and should be ignored by all receiving parties.
Historical Origins of the Ten-Code System
To understand why we still use 10-22 in 2026, we must look back to the development of the ten-code system in the late 1930s. Charles Hopper, the communications director for the Illinois State Police, is credited with inventing the system in 1937. At the time, radio technology was in its infancy, and early transmitters suffered from slow "warm-up" times. The first syllable of a transmission was often cut off.
By starting every command with "10-," Hopper ensured that the transmitter had time to reach full power before the critical part of the message (the second number) was delivered. This increased the reliability of communications significantly. Over the decades, these codes were standardized by APCO International to ensure that officers moving between different jurisdictions could understand one another.
The code 10-22 was established as a core part of this lexicon because "canceling" is one of the most frequent administrative tasks in dispatch. Without a short code, a dispatcher would have to say, "Officers, please ignore the previous instructions regarding the burglary on Main Street as the caller has informed us it was a false alarm." With the code, the dispatcher simply states, "10-22 the burglary on Main Street," saving several seconds of airtime—a critical commodity during "hot" calls.
10-22 in Different Communication Environments
While the origin of 10-22 is rooted in public safety, its use has permeated other sectors. Each environment treats the code with slightly different levels of formality and technical expectation.
Law Enforcement and EMS
In the realm of public safety, 10-22 is an official command. When a dispatcher issues a 10-22, field units are expected to acknowledge the cancellation and immediately return to their previous status (such as "10-8," or back in service). In 2026, many police departments have integrated 10-codes into their Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. When a dispatcher voices "10-22," they often simultaneously click a button that clears the call from the digital terminals in the officers' patrol cars.
CB Radio and Trucking
The Citizens Band (CB) radio community adopted ten-codes during the trucking boom of the 1970s. For truckers, 10-22 is used more colloquially. It might be used to cancel a request for a "bear report" (police location) or to tell another driver to ignore a previous comment about road conditions. Unlike the rigid structure of police dispatch, CB usage of 10-22 is often mixed with "plain talk," but it remains a staple for those who value traditional radio culture.
Private Security and Commercial Use
In large-scale industrial sites, casinos, or stadiums, 10-22 is used to manage internal logistics. If a security guard reports a "Code Adam" (missing child) and the child is found ten seconds later, the supervisor will broadcast "10-22 the Code Adam" to stand down all search teams. In these high-stakes commercial environments, brevity prevents "radio fright" among staff and ensures that the primary channel remains open for other emergencies.
The Modern Shift: Plain Language vs. Ten-Codes in 2026
As of 2026, the use of 10-22 and other ten-codes is at a crossroads. Following the communication failures identified after major disasters in the early 2000s, the FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) began advocating for the use of "Plain Language" (also known as Clear Text).
The logic behind the Plain Language initiative is interoperability. During a multi-agency response—such as a large forest fire or a multi-state manhunt—an officer from one county might use 10-22 to mean "disregard," while a volunteer firefighter from a neighboring state might have been trained with a different set of codes. To eliminate confusion, NIMS recommends simply saying "Cancel" or "Disregard."
However, the "10-22" code remains deeply embedded in the culture of local agencies. It is faster to say "ten-twenty-two" than "disregard the last message," and for seasoned professionals, the codes are second nature. In 2026, most agencies use a hybrid approach: ten-codes like 10-22 are used for routine daily operations, while Plain Language is mandated for major incidents involving multiple jurisdictions.
Proper Etiquette and Technical Execution
Using 10-22 correctly requires more than just knowing its definition. Because it is a "correction" code, its timing and delivery are crucial for maintaining an orderly frequency.
- Wait for a Gap: Even if you need to 10-22 a message, do not "step on" (transmit over) another user. Wait for the channel to be clear.
- Be Specific: Never just say "10-22." Always specify what is being disregarded. For example: "Unit 4, 10-22 your last request for a tow."
- Acknowledge the Code: If you are the recipient of a 10-22, you should briefly acknowledge it. A simple "Unit 4, copy the 10-22" lets the sender know the instruction was received and the previous mission is cancelled.
- Avoid Repetition: Under standard conditions, you only need to say the code once. Radio traffic should be as minimal as possible.
From a technical perspective, 10-22 is particularly useful in environments with high background noise or poor signal strength. Short, percussive sounds like "ten-twenty-two" are often easier for the human ear to distinguish through static than the multisyllabic word "disregard."
Comparative Analysis of Common Ten-Codes
To understand the context in which 10-22 operates, it is helpful to compare it with other "administrative" codes that are frequently used in the same sequence.
| Code | Meaning | Context of Use with 10-22 |
|---|---|---|
| 10-4 | Acknowledgement (OK) | Often follows a 10-22 to confirm the cancellation is understood. |
| 10-9 | Repeat last transmission | Used when a 10-22 was heard but the specific item being cancelled was missed. |
| 10-21 | Call by telephone | A dispatcher might 10-22 a radio message and ask the officer to 10-21 for sensitive info. |
| 10-23 | Arrived at scene | An officer might 10-23 and then immediately 10-22 the call if it was a false alarm. |
| 10-33 | Emergency traffic only | A 10-22 is rarely used during a 10-33 unless the emergency itself is resolved. |
| 10-97 | Arrived at scene (Variation) | Similar to 10-23; used to signal the start of an investigation that may lead to a 10-22. |
Troubleshooting Miscommunications
Despite its intent to clarify, 10-22 can occasionally cause confusion if used improperly. The most common error is the "Partial 10-22." This occurs when an operator says, "10-22 that," without specifying which part of a complex transmission they are referring to. If a dispatcher gave an address, a suspect description, and a vehicle make, and then said "10-22 that," the officer may not know if the whole call is cancelled or just the vehicle description.
Another issue involves "10-22ing" a message that has already been acted upon. In high-speed pursuits or medical emergencies, by the time a 10-22 is broadcast, units may already be in a high-risk mode. In these cases, the 10-22 must be followed by a clear-text explanation to ensure safety. For example: "10-22 the pursuit, suspect has bailed on foot, all units switch to perimeter plan."
In the digital era of 2026, "ghost transmissions" can also occur. This is where a digital radio packet for a 10-22 is dropped due to a "dead spot" in coverage. Professionals mitigate this by checking their MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) to see if the status change has reflected on their screen, providing a visual backup to the audio command.
Practical Scenarios for 10-22
To fully grasp the "Why" behind the code, consider these three common scenarios where 10-22 is the primary tool for resolution:
Scenario A: The False Alarm
A residential burglar alarm is triggered. The dispatcher broadcasts the 10-31 (Crime in progress) and sends two units. Thirty seconds later, the alarm company calls back to report a "proper code" was entered by the homeowner. The dispatcher immediately broadcasts: "Units 1 and 2, 10-22 the alarm at 123 Maple St, homeowner authorization received."
Scenario B: The License Plate Error
An officer is following a vehicle and reads the license plate over the air: "Adam-Boy-1-2-3." As the dispatcher starts the search, the officer realizes they misread a "B" for an "8." The officer says: "10-22 that plate, correct plate is Adam-8-1-2-3." This stops the dispatcher from running a potentially incorrect or non-existent vehicle.
Scenario C: The Duplicate Call
In a busy city, five different people might call 911 to report the same traffic accident. The dispatcher may accidentally create two separate incident logs. Once the error is spotted, the dispatcher will 10-22 one of the incident numbers to merge the response and prevent sending double the necessary resources to one location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10-22 the same in every state?
While most states follow the APCO standard where 10-22 means "disregard," some local agencies have historically used their own variations. However, since the 2020s, there has been a massive push toward standardization to meet federal grant requirements. It is highly likely that in 2026, 10-22 means "disregard" anywhere you go in the United States.
Can I use 10-22 on a Ham (Amateur) Radio?
In Amateur Radio, the use of ten-codes is generally discouraged. Ham operators prefer "plain talk" or specific "Q-codes" (like QUM for "resume normal working"). While a Ham operator would understand what you mean by 10-22, using it might mark you as a "CB-er" or someone unfamiliar with Amateur Radio's distinct culture of clear, conversational speech.
What should I do if I hear a 10-22 on my scanner?
If you are a hobbyist listening to a scanner, a 10-22 is your cue that the current "action" or "story" you are following has ended. You can expect the units involved to go back to "10-8" (patrol) or be reassigned. It is a sign to move your attention to another frequency or wait for the next call.
Why not just say "Cancel"?
As discussed, "Cancel" is actually the preferred term under NIMS/FEMA guidelines. However, 10-22 persists because of "muscle memory" in veteran operators and the fact that the number "10" prepares the listener's brain for a coming instruction, whereas a single word like "Cancel" can sometimes be lost in a burst of static or background siren noise.
Does 10-22 apply to written communication?
Occasionally, you will see "10-22" written in police logs or on digital dispatch screens. It serves the same purpose as the verbal code—marking an entry as an error or a cancelled event. It is a shorthand that saves space in log books and digital databases.
Final Recommendation for Radio Operators
Whether you are a professional in training or a dedicated scanner enthusiast, the most important thing to remember about 10-22 is its finality. Once a 10-22 is issued, the previous information is officially "dead." If you are operating a radio, never use this code unless you are absolutely certain that the previous message needs to be voided. If you are a listener, use the 10-22 as a marker to reset your understanding of the current tactical situation. In the evolving landscape of 2026 communications, the "10-22" remains one of the most vital tools for maintaining clarity in an often chaotic environment.
