What is a bolo in police talk?

What is a Bolo in Police Talk?

In the world of law enforcement, there are various terms and jargon that are specific to the profession. One such term that is commonly used by police officers is "bolo." But what does it mean? In this article, we will delve into the world of police talk and explore what a bolo is.

What is a Bolo?

A bolo is a type of police broadcast or alert that is issued when a suspect is described or a crime is reported. It is a shorthand term that is used to notify other law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and police officers of a potential suspect or crime. The term "bolo" is believed to have originated from the phrase "bulletin," which was used in the early days of police radio communication.

Types of Bolos

There are several types of bolos that can be issued, including:

• Wanted Person Bolo: This type of bolo is issued when a suspect is wanted for a crime and their description, including their name, age, sex, and physical characteristics, is broadcast to other law enforcement agencies.
• Missing Person Bolo: This type of bolo is issued when a person is reported missing and their description is broadcast to other law enforcement agencies.
• Stolen Vehicle Bolo: This type of bolo is issued when a vehicle is reported stolen and its description is broadcast to other law enforcement agencies.
• Crime in Progress Bolo: This type of bolo is issued when a crime is in progress and the suspect’s description, including their location and vehicle information, is broadcast to other law enforcement agencies.

How Bolos are Issued

Bolos are typically issued through a police radio dispatch system, which allows law enforcement agencies to communicate with each other quickly and efficiently. When a bolo is issued, it is usually broadcast to all police officers in the area, as well as to other law enforcement agencies that may have jurisdiction over the area.

Significance of Bolos

Bolos play a crucial role in law enforcement, as they help to quickly disseminate information about a suspect or crime to other law enforcement agencies. This allows police officers to be on the lookout for the suspect or to respond quickly to a crime in progress.

Examples of Bolos

Here are a few examples of bolos that may be issued:

• Wanted Person Bolo: "Be on the lookout for a white male, 25 years old, 5’9" tall, 150 pounds, with a scar above his left eyebrow and a tattoo of a snake on his arm. He is wanted for burglary and is believed to be driving a black sedan with tinted windows."
• Missing Person Bolo: "Be on the lookout for a 12-year-old girl who was last seen wearing a yellow dress and riding a bike in the area of Main Street and Oak Avenue. She is believed to be in danger and may be with an unknown male."
• Stolen Vehicle Bolo: "Be on the lookout for a 2008 Honda Civic with the license plate number ABC-1234. It was stolen from the parking lot of a local business and may be driven by a suspect who is wanted for fraud."

Conclusion

In conclusion, a bolo is a type of police broadcast or alert that is used to notify other law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and police officers of a potential suspect or crime. It is an important tool that helps to quickly disseminate information and allow police officers to respond quickly to a crime in progress. Whether it is a wanted person, a missing person, a stolen vehicle, or a crime in progress, a bolo is an essential part of law enforcement communication.

Table: Types of Bolos

Table: Examples of Bolos