Why is Police 12?: Understanding the Mystery
What is Police 12?
Before we delve into the reason behind "police 12", let’s define what we mean by "police 12". Police 12 refers to the radio frequency band assigned to law enforcement agencies around the world. This specific frequency band, also known as the "police band", is used by police departments to communicate with each other and with dispatch centers.
A Brief History of Radio Communication in Law Enforcement
The use of radio communication in law enforcement dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, police departments began using radios to facilitate communication between officers in the field and dispatch centers. These early radios operated on a variety of frequencies, but as the technology advanced, the need for a dedicated frequency band for police communication became clear.
The Selection of 12 as the Police Frequency Band
So, why is the police frequency band known as "12"? The answer lies in the radio frequency spectrum itself. In the early days of radio communication, frequencies were designated using a system of numbers and letters. Each frequency was given a specific number, and the lower frequencies were assigned to lower numbers.
In the late 1920s, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), responsible for regulating radio communication in the United States, decided to allocate a specific frequency band for law enforcement agencies. After conducting a study to determine the best frequency range for police communication, the FCC selected 136-174 MHz as the ideal band.
Why did they choose this particular range? According to historical records, the FCC believed that this range offered minimized interference from other radio signals, sufficient power for police radios to reach dispatch centers, and adequate range for communication in urban and rural areas. Moreover, this frequency range was not commonly used for other purposes, making it a clean slate for police communication.
International Adoption of 12 as the Police Frequency
As the use of radios in law enforcement spread across the globe, other countries followed the United States’ lead and adopted the same frequency range for police communication. Today, the VHF (Very High Frequency) band, which includes the 136-174 MHz range, is widely used for police communication worldwide.
Interesting Facts about the Police 12 Frequency Band
- The police 12 frequency band is used by police departments, highway patrol, and other law enforcement agencies worldwide.
- The most commonly used police radio channel is Channel 2 (used by more than 70% of law enforcement agencies in the United States).
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has designated 146.520 MHz as the international calling frequency for police and emergency services.
- Digital encryption is now widely used to secure police communication in many countries.
Benefits of the Police 12 Frequency Band
The adoption of the 12 frequency band has brought numerous benefits to law enforcement agencies around the world, including:
• Enhanced coordination: Police departments can easily communicate with each other, regardless of location or jurisdiction.
• Improved situational awareness: Officers on the ground can receive updates and instructions in real-time, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies.
• Increased safety: Communication with dispatch centers and fellow officers reduces the risk of misunderstandings and miscommunication, which can lead to accidents or mistakes.
• Cost-effective: Police radios operating on the VHF band have historically been more affordable than other frequency ranges.
Conclusion
The story of police 12 is a testament to the power of technological innovation and collaboration. The selection of 12 as the police frequency band was a careful process, taking into account factors such as interference, power, range, and availability. Today, this frequency band is a standard in law enforcement communication, providing a safe and reliable means of communication for police officers worldwide.
