Every year on October 21 — what we proudly call 10-21 Day — we celebrate innovation, progress and the thousands of law enforcement professionals who rely on the 10-21 Police Phone app to strengthen connections with their communities.
This year, we’re celebrating 10-21 Day by introducing Officer Connect, a new feature developed based on direct feedback from officers.
Innovation driven by officers
Since its launch, the 10-21 Police Phone app was designed to solve two primary challenges: improve citizen answer rates by calling from a local number, and protect officer privacy by using a virtual number.
With over 6.5 million calls placed in 2024 alone, we know how critical this tool is for your daily work.
The system was designed for officer privacy. If a citizen missed a call, they could request a callback, but couldn’t ring the officer directly. This protected officers from being inundated with calls when off duty or handling another incident.
But you told us you needed more flexibility. You asked for a way to get connected faster and avoid the game of phone tag, all while maintaining the security and privacy you depend on.
We answered your call, so you can answer the call.
Introducing Officer Connect: direct connection, complete control
Officer Connect is a new advanced feature, available with a 10-21 agency subscription, that gives officers the control to receive inbound calls directly to their 10-21 app. With a simple toggle in the settings menu, you can now decide how you connect with your community.
How it works:
- Activate when you want: In the 10-21 settings menu, simply toggle Officer Connect to the “on” position. You are now available for direct calls. When Officer Connect is “off,” calls will be redirected to the current automated message service.
- Receive direct calls: With Officer Connect “on”, citizens you’ve contacted can now initiate a secure call to your 10-21 app. Officer Connect calls will ring to your device displayed as a 10-21 call with additional caller ID information, when available.
- Stay in control: Activate when on patrol. Deactivate when off-duty. If you miss a call, it will display as a missed call and callback request in your Call History. Officer Connect puts you in the driver’s seat to ensure privacy and professionalism in your community communications.
No matter the setting, your personal phone number is never exposed. Every call remains private, documented and securely routed through the 10-21 virtual phone system.
The law enforcement professionals who use 10-21 understand the importance of balancing transparency and accessibility with security and privacy. Officer Connect gives agencies the flexibility to adapt communication styles to the situation at hand, whether that means quick accessibility or a layer of separation. You’re in full command.
Go hands-free for extra safety
Your safety is our top priority. That’s why we’re also excited to announce that the 10-21 Police Phone is now fully compatible with Apple CarPlay. Make and receive calls directly from your in-vehicle display—all hands-free. This integration makes communicating with your community safer and more seamless than ever before.
On this 10-21 Day, take advantage of Officer Connect
As we celebrate 10-21 Day, we honor both the officers who rely on the 10-21 app daily, and the innovation that continues to deliver new value to our customers. With Officer Connect, we’re proud to deliver an enhanced tool for law enforcement to better serve their communities — while continuing to protect their privacy, personal time, devices and safety.
Answer the call with 10-21 Police Phone.
If you are an agency that subscribes to 10-21 and would like to explore Officer Connect, please Contact Support to activate this new feature, at no charge, for your department.
Individual users (free or professional) interested in this new feature and other advanced features of 10-21, please call the 10-21 hotline at (320) 400-1021 to opt in to a free trial.
