The 10-96 mental health code—intended for identifying individuals in crisis—has been weaponized in some jurisdictions to falsely label individuals with no mental health history. This covert profiling tactic creates a fabricated record of instability, which can then be used to justify surveillance, arrest, or blame for orchestrated incidents.

How the Tactic Works

Unwarranted Labeling Authorities or affiliated actors assign a 10-96 designation without clinical evaluation, often based on vague behavioral cues or retaliatory motives.

Record Fabrication The label is embedded into official records, suggesting instability or threat potential. These records may be shared across agencies or used in court proceedings.

Pretext for Blame If an incident occurs, whether staged, misinterpreted, or unrelated—the fabricated record becomes the justification for punitive action, shifting blame onto the targeted individual.