What is a bolo police term?

What is a Bolo Police Term?

In the world of law enforcement, police officers and dispatchers use various terms to convey important information about a situation. One of these terms is the "bolo," which may be unfamiliar to the general public. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of the bolo police term, as well as its variations and uses.

Direct Answer: What is a Bolo Police Term?

A bolo is a police term used to notify other law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and personnel about a suspect or offender who is being pursued or sought after. The term "bolo" comes from the name of a type of cord or loop used to secure items, which was later adopted by police officers to refer to a "loop" or "net" of communication about a suspect.

Types of Bolos

There are several types of bolos, each with its own specific meaning and use. Here are some common types of bolos:

• Be-On-Lookout (BOL): A BOL is a request for other law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a specific suspect or offender. This type of bolo is often used for low-priority suspects or individuals who are not considered an immediate threat.
• Be-On-Alert (BOA): A BOA is a more urgent request for law enforcement agencies to be on alert for a suspect or offender who may pose a threat to public safety.
• Be-On-Search (BOS): A BOS is a request for law enforcement agencies to search for a suspect or offender who has been spotted or reported.

How Bolos Work

When a law enforcement agency issues a bolo, it sends a notification to other agencies, dispatchers, and personnel via radio, phone, or computer. The notification typically includes information about the suspect, such as:

• Physical description: height, weight, age, sex, race, hair color, and facial features
• Clothing and accessories: type of clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or other distinguishing features
• Vehicle description: make, model, color, license plate number, and any other distinguishing features
• Crime or offense: the nature of the crime or offense committed by the suspect
• Last seen location: the location where the suspect was last seen or reported

Bolo Examples

Here are a few examples of how bolos might be used:

• Burglary suspect: A burglary suspect is spotted fleeing the scene of a break-in. The responding officer sends out a bolo to other agencies, dispatchers, and personnel to be on the lookout for the suspect.
• Armed robbery suspect: A suspect is reported to be armed and fleeing the scene of an armed robbery. The responding officer sends out a BOA to alert other agencies and personnel to be on high alert for the suspect.
• Missing person: A missing person is reported to authorities. A bolo is sent out to local law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and personnel to assist in the search for the missing person.

Significance of Bolos

Bolos play a crucial role in law enforcement by:

• Rapidly disseminating information: Bolos allow for rapid communication of information about a suspect or offender, enabling law enforcement agencies to respond quickly and effectively.
• Enhancing public safety: By alerting other agencies and personnel to be on the lookout for a suspect or offender, bolos help to ensure public safety and prevent crimes.
• Facilitating communication: Bolos facilitate communication between law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and personnel, ensuring that all parties are aware of the same information and can respond accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a bolo is a police term used to notify other law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, and personnel about a suspect or offender who is being pursued or sought after. There are several types of bolos, each with its own specific meaning and use. By understanding what a bolo is and how it works, the public can better appreciate the importance of law enforcement communication and the role that bolos play in enhancing public safety.

Table: Types of Bolos

Bullets List: How Bolos Work

• Physical description
• Clothing and accessories
• Vehicle description
• Crime or offense
• Last seen location