What Does APB Mean Police?
An APB, or All Points Bulletin, is a police request for law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a specific person, vehicle, or location. This request is disseminated to all police officers and units in a designated area, hence the term "all points." An APB is typically used to gather information, conduct an investigation, or locate a suspect, missing person, or stolen property.
Contents
- 1 History of the APB
- 2 How Does an APB Work?
- 3 APB Examples** Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns NowHere are some examples of APBs: • **Wanted APB**: “All units, wanted for robbery, John Smith, white male, 30 years old, 5’10”, weighing 170 pounds, with a distinctive tattoo on his left arm. Last seen wearing a black hoodie and jeans in the downtown area.” • **Missing Person APB**: “All units, missing person report, Emily Johnson, 8 years old, last seen wearing a pink sweater and jeans in the 3000 block of Oak Street. If found, please contact the police immediately.” • **Stolen Vehicle APB**: “All units, stolen vehicle report, 2012 Honda Civic, silver color, license plate number ‘ABC-1234’ was stolen from the parking lot of the local gas station. If seen, please notify the police immediately.” APB Best Practices** Police agencies should follow these best practices when issuing an APB: • **Use Clear Language**: Use concise and clear language when disseminating the APB to ensure that all officers understand the request. • **Provide Accurate Information**: Verify the accuracy of the information before issuing the APB to prevent misidentifications or misunderstandings. • **Use Standardized Forms**: Use standardized APB forms to ensure that all officers have the necessary information and can easily refer to it. • **Maintain Confidentiality**: Keep sensitive information confidential and only share it with authorized personnel. Conclusion
History of the APB
The concept of an APB dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) created the first APB system to share information among different police departments and agencies. The term "All Points Bulletin" was coined by a LAPD detective, who requested that all police officers with radios listen for the alert.
Types of APBs
There are several types of APBs, each with its own specific purpose:
• Wanted APB: Issued for individuals who are suspected of committing a crime or have outstanding warrants.
• Missing Person APB: Used to locate missing persons, including children and elderly individuals.
• Stolen Vehicle APB: Requests information on the location of stolen vehicles and their owners.
• Crime Scene APB: Used to gather information and conduct an investigation at the scene of a crime.
How Does an APB Work?
When a police agency issues an APB, it is usually in response to a crime or other emergency situation. Here’s how it typically works:
• Initiation: The police agency initiates the APB by radioing or filing a report with the proper authorities.
• Broadcast: The APB is broadcasted to all police units in the designated area, which includes a description of the suspect, vehicle, or location.
• Verification: Officers receiving the APB verify the information to ensure accuracy before conducting any further action.
• Investigation: Officers conducting the investigation or responding to the APB gather information, interview witnesses, and collect evidence to aid in the case.
• Resolution: Once the APB is resolved, the police agency confirms the outcome and closes the case.
APB Criteria
When issuing an APB, police agencies consider the following criteria:
• Suspect Information: Description of the suspect, including physical characteristics, clothing, and any other distinguishing features.
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, color, license plate number, and any other distinguishing features of the vehicle.
• Location: Exact location of the crime, suspect, or stolen vehicle.
• Time Frame: Time of the incident, including start and end times.
• Danger Level: Indication of the level of danger posed by the suspect or situation.