What should you do anytime you get out of your car?

Whenever you exit your vehicle as a peace officer, it is crucial to notify dispatch of your location by stating "10-23." This action serves multiple important purposes. First, it ensures that your location is recorded, which is vital for your safety and accountability. If you are involved in an incident or require assistance, dispatch can quickly locate you based on the information provided.

Additionally, notifying dispatch contributes to effective communication within the law enforcement community. It provides situational awareness for fellow officers who may need to know where you are for coordination, backup, or response to any situation you may encounter.

While securing your weapon is important, and being aware of your surroundings does support safety, the primary protocol emphasized in law enforcement training when exiting a vehicle is to communicate your status and location clearly to dispatch. This practice enhances both personal safety and operational efficiency.