Police Slang Terms: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Civilians
Understanding the unique terminology used in law enforcement to facilitate effective communication.
2025-03-08T09:19:25.233Z Back to posts
Police Slang Terms: A Guide
As a profession that requires effective communication, law enforcement agencies have developed their own set of slang terms to convey complex information quickly and discreetly. These terms are often used in radio communications, written reports, and among officers themselves.
Common Police Slang Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 10-4 | ”Affirmative” or “understood” |
| 12-15 | ”Location unknown” |
| Adam-12 | A car model, but also used to refer to a police vehicle |
| Backup | Additional units responding to assist on a call |
| Be advised | Important information that requires attention |
| Boxed in | Surrounded by other vehicles or pedestrians |
| 10-codes | Pre-arranged codes for common radio transmissions (e.g., “10-20” means “officer needs assistance”) |
Vehicle-Related Slang
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Blue light | Activating the vehicle’s emergency lights to signal speed and urgency |
| Code 3 | Emergency mode, with sirens blaring and maximum speed |
| Hot spot | A location prone to frequent calls or high-crime activity |
| In pursuit | Chasing a suspect in their own vehicle |
Person-Related Slang
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| APB (All Points Bulletin) | A broadcast alerting all units to be on the lookout for a specific individual |
| BOLO (Be On The LookOut) | Similar to an APB, but not as widely disseminated |
| Hot car | A vehicle associated with a crime or high-risk activity |
Miscellaneous Slang
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Code red | High-level emergency or critical incident response |
| Hold-up | A robbery in progress |
| Priority call | An urgent situation requiring immediate attention |
Using Police Slang Effectively
While police slang terms can be convenient for communication among officers, they should not be used with the public. Clear and concise language is essential when interacting with civilians to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunications.
In addition, using police slang in official reports or documentation can lead to confusion among non-law enforcement professionals who may not be familiar with these terms. It’s crucial to use standard language and terminology in formal writing to ensure clarity and consistency.
Conclusion
Police slang terms are an essential part of a law enforcement officer’s vocabulary. These terms facilitate effective communication, enable quick decision-making, and promote situational awareness on the job. However, it’s equally important to balance the use of police slang with clear and concise language to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunications.
By understanding these commonly used police slang terms, civilians can better appreciate the complexities of law enforcement work and improve their interactions with officers in various situations.