Why are the police called the 50?

Why are the Police Called the 50?

The question of why police are often referred to as the "50" has puzzled many individuals for quite some time. This seemingly mysterious term is rooted in history and has its roots in the early days of police communication.

History of the 50 Code

The term "50" refers to a numerical code that was used in the 19th century to send messages to the police over telegraph lines. The code was based on the Morse code, a system of dots and dashes that represented letters and numbers. The "50" code was specifically designed to indicate that the message was an emergency dispatch for the police.

The Morse Code and Its Significance

The Morse code was developed in the 1830s by Samuel Finley Breese Morse, an American artist and inventor. The code consisted of a series of dots and dashes that represented letters and numbers. The Morse code was a crucial innovation in communication during the 19th century, allowing for rapid and efficient transmission of messages over telegraph lines.

How the Code Became “50”

The "50" code was a unique sequence of dots and dashes that corresponded to the letter "S" (three dots) and the letter "O" (two dashes). When police stations received a message with the "50" code, they knew it was an urgent dispatch from the authorities, and they would respond promptly to attend to the situation.

The Adoption of the 50 Code

The "50" code was adopted by various police forces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a way to communicate emergencies quickly and efficiently. The code was also used in conjunction with other numerical codes to indicate different types of emergencies, such as:

• "33" for a police car with lights and siren on
• "35" for a robbery in progress
• "44" for a domestic disturbance
• "61" for a serious injury

Evolution of Police Communication

With the advent of radio communication in the early 20th century, the need for the "50" code began to diminish. Police forces gradually transitioned to using voice communication, which was more efficient and effective than Morse code.

The Legacy of the 50 Code

Although the "50" code is no longer used in modern police communication, its legacy remains. Many police forces continue to use numerical codes to indicate different types of emergencies, although they have since adopted more advanced communication methods, such as digital dispatch systems.

Conclusion

The "50" code was a significant innovation in police communication during the 19th century, allowing for rapid and efficient transmission of emergency messages. Although the code is no longer in use, its legacy continues to shape the way police forces communicate and respond to emergencies.

Key Points:

• The "50" code was used in the 19th century to send emergency dispatches to the police over telegraph lines.
• The code was based on the Morse code, a system of dots and dashes that represented letters and numbers.
• The "50" code corresponded to the letter "S" (three dots) and the letter "O" (two dashes).
• The code was adopted by various police forces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The "50" code is no longer used in modern police communication, having been replaced by more advanced communication methods.