The Language of Law Enforcement: Uncovering Police Slang Words
From '10-4' to 'Officer Down', a comprehensive guide to the world of police slang words.
2025-03-08T09:19:25.233Z Back to posts
The Language of Law Enforcement: A Guide to Police Slang Words
Law enforcement agencies around the world have their own unique language, filled with acronyms, abbreviations, and colloquialisms that are often unfamiliar to the general public. As a content creator, it’s essential to understand these terms to provide accurate information and context in our writing.
Introduction to Police Slang
Police slang words are an integral part of law enforcement culture. These terms allow officers to quickly communicate with each other, providing concise and effective communication during high-pressure situations. However, without proper knowledge, police slang can be confusing and even misleading.
Common Police Slang Words
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 10-4 | Acknowledgment or understanding. |
| 20-20 | A call for backup, specifically asking for two units to respond. |
| Adam 12 | Code for a police radio broadcast. The term originated from the classic TV show “Adam-12.” |
| Blue and Gold | Refers to a high-speed chase. |
| Code 3 | Emergency lights and sirens are activated. |
| Canine Unit (K9) | A unit that uses trained dogs for search and rescue operations. |
| F.O.B. | Friend of the Badge, referring to an officer’s family member or friend who is allowed to enter a crime scene or police facility. |
| Gang unit (Gang Intel) | A specialized unit dedicated to tracking and combating gang activity. |
| In-car video (ICV) | Footage recorded by a dashboard camera in a police vehicle. |
| Officer down (OD) | An officer is injured or killed in the line of duty. |
Radio Codes
Police radios use a variety of codes to convey specific information quickly and efficiently.
- Code 1: No emergency
- Code 2: Emergency, but not life-threatening
- Code 3: Life-threatening emergency
- Code 4: Routine response or service call
Specialized Units
Law enforcement agencies employ various specialized units to address specific needs and challenges.
- SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team: Trained to handle high-risk situations, such as hostage negotiations or active shooter incidents.
- K9 Unit: Utilizes trained dogs for search and rescue operations.
- Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT): Expertly trained in negotiation techniques to resolve high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
Understanding police slang words and radio codes is essential for anyone working with law enforcement or seeking to provide accurate information. By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can better appreciate the complexities of law enforcement work and improve our communication skills.