Why They Call Police "12"
Have you ever wondered why, when you’re in an emergency situation and need to reach the authorities, you can’t simply dial 1-1-1, 2-2-2, or any other extension? The answer lies in the fascinating history of telecommunications and emergency services.
Contents
A Brief History of Emergency Numbers
Before the advent of modern telephone systems, cities used messenger services or patrolmen on horseback to respond to emergencies. In the early 1900s, the first single-digit emergency number, 0, was introduced. This single digit allowed authorities to connect to a local operator, who would manually connect them to the proper emergency services.
In 1937, the Police Radio Association (PRA) standardized the first radio-based emergency system. At this point, police used Code 2, which represented the emergency vehicle’s number on the trunk radio. Code 2 was replaced in the 1950s with Code 6, denoting the department’s unit number.
The first triple-digit emergency number, 911, was introduced in 1968 in the United States, followed by 112 in the European Union (EU) in 1972. These numbers bypassed operators and connected calls directly to emergency services, revolutionizing emergency response. However, this shift doesn’t fully explain why many countries use 12 as an alternative police hotline.
From Police Radios to Standardized 12
In the post-war era, radio usage became more widespread among emergency services. 12, a significant number on pre-1937 telephone dialing, was E on older rotary phones, became an integral part of police radios. Police codes, initially used to respond to dispatchers, gained popularity for quick and reliable communication. Code 12 emerged, roughly translating to " Police Office" or "All Clear."
Code 12 was an MPECS (Mobile Patrol Evaluation and Control System) code, used in the 1930s to inform units of emergencies. In other words, Code 12 signaled a report of an emergency to respond to.
As emergency dispatching advanced, radio-equipped police officers needed a means to request assistance, secure backup, or dispatch nearby units to respond to emerging situations. 12, an accessible and distinct sound, fit the bill as a distress signal.
| Country | Why 12 for Police |
|---|---|
| United States | Originated as a code and later replaced 911 or 411 |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Police Service of the United Kingdom; 112 for other services |
| Greece and Cyprus | Greek military influence, radio codes used |
<h2_Global Adoption and Legacy
The use of 12 for emergency services became widespread globally due to its simplicity and immediate recognition. Many countries adopt 12 for ease of recognition, avoiding duplication with other emergency services numbers. 112 remains primarily used in the EU.
Code 12’s global spread also spawned various reasons for calling emergency services the "12," including:
• United States: Initially used with 911, now less common; Code 12 was also linked to an old emergency trunk line in some cities
• United Kingdom: Police and emergency services maintain separate lines; 111 for the UK police hotline
• Greece and Cyprus: Radio influences and historic ties with international military units
• Other Countries: Language nuances, country-specific adaptations
Conclusion and Significance
When you hear a friend exclaim, "Call 12 when you’re in an emergency!" understand that the 12 stands for the trusted, straightforward, and familiar Code 12. While 911 revolutionized emergency response, the Code 12, born from radio communications and historical legacy, serves a distinct purpose. By bridging gaps between technology evolution and standardized emergency numbers, Code 12’s significance lies in its adaptability, recognition, and the shared understanding among many countries that, in urgent situations, 12 is indeed the go-to number.
