What Is a BOL Police Code? BOL Police Code

The BOL police code meaning for the police forces is Be On The Lookout.

If you’re wondering what is BOL police code, you’re in the right place. The BOL police code stands for Be on the Lookout. It is one of the most commonly used alert codes in law enforcement communication across the United States. This police abbreviation is used to inform officers and emergency personnel to remain alert and vigilant for a specific person, vehicle, or situation—often in connection with a crime or an urgent incident.

BOL, or Be on the Lookout, is a critical part of police codes and signals used during real-time operations. For example, when a suspect flees a crime scene, a BOL alert may be issued immediately with identifying details—such as the suspect’s appearance, vehicle description, and last known location. This allows officers across jurisdictions to react quickly and in coordination, improving the chances of a safe and efficient apprehension.

BOL Police Code: History and Communication Benefits

The use of police codes like BOL dates back to the late 1930s, when the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) developed the original set of ten signals. These codes were designed to streamline communication between officers and reduce errors, especially over radio transmissions where clarity is vital. The BOL police code is a great example of how brevity and precision can make a big difference in the field.

BOL is typically used in urgent broadcasts, dispatch alerts, and interdepartmental messages to warn officers of suspicious or wanted subjects. It’s closely related to other alert codes like APB (All Points Bulletin) but is more focused on observation rather than immediate apprehension. When a BOL alert is issued, officers may use it to inform patrol units, highway officers, or even airport security depending on the nature of the alert.

What Does Be on the Lookout Mean in Police Terms? Understanding BOL in Law Enforcement

The phrase Be on the Lookout is a direct instruction for officers to stay alert for a subject of interest. In police operations, this could refer to a missing person, a stolen vehicle, or a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous. The BOL police code may include critical details such as name, clothing, license plate number, direction of travel, and any weapons involved.
What is BOL Police Code?
It’s a shorthand police communication code meaning Be on the Lookout, and it’s an essential tool for fast, effective law enforcement response. Whether you’re studying police radio signals, interested in law enforcement procedures, or learning how police dispatch works, the BOL police code is a term you’ll encounter often.

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What Is the BOL Police Code? Meaning & Usage Explained

The BOL Police Code stands for “Be on the Lookout”, a vital term used in police communication to alert all units to be on the watch for a person, vehicle, or suspect. This police signal is typically issued in urgent situations—such as when a suspect is fleeing the scene of a crime, when a child goes missing, or when a stolen vehicle needs to be located. It’s one of the most effective ways to broadcast real-time alerts quickly and clearly across all relevant departments and patrol units.

Using a brief, standardized term like BOL ensures that communication remains fast, clear, and free of misunderstandings. Police dispatchers and officers rely on codes like BOL to coordinate efforts, reduce radio traffic, and handle emergencies with precision.

Learn More About Police Codes with Our Comprehensive BOL Code Guide

At All Police Codes, we’ve developed one of the most detailed and easy-to-use resources for understanding police communication signals in the U.S. Whether you’re looking up the BOL Police Code or browsing hundreds of other codes used by law enforcement, our site is your go-to destination. We created this platform for enthusiasts, journalists, researchers, and anyone interested in decoding how emergency communication actually works.

The BOL code is just one of many shorthand signals officers use daily to relay complex information in seconds. Understanding these codes gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening behind the scenes in police operations—and makes listening to police scanners a lot more interesting.

Why Police Codes Like BOL Are Essential for Law Enforcement Communication

Police codes were developed to streamline law enforcement communication. They eliminate the need for long, detailed descriptions and reduce the chance of errors during high-pressure moments. The BOL Police Code in particular helps officers stay alert and act swiftly when time is critical.

Our team has spent years compiling, researching, and updating these codes to ensure accuracy and usefulness. We’ve included everything from APCO Ten Codes to less common, local signals used in specific cities or states. And yes, it’s all completely free to use—because we’re passionate about how public safety communication works and want to make this knowledge accessible.

The History Behind the BOL Police Code and Other Signals

The history of police codes goes back nearly a century. Between 1937 and 1940, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) began developing Ten-Codes—short radio signals used by police departments to ensure consistent, clear communication. The system was later expanded in 1974 to accommodate more codes and growing public safety needs.

Even before that, in 1935, APCO proposed the first set of brevity codes for Morse communication, inspired by the U.S. Navy. These early codes weren’t voice-based, but they laid the groundwork for today’s police radio communication systems, including familiar terms like 10-4, 10-7, and of course, BOL.

Tune In and Hear the BOL Code in Action on Police Scanners

Want to hear the BOL Police Code used in real-time? You can listen to active police radio traffic using a police scanner or a scanner app. Many local and national scanner feeds allow you to monitor how police codes are used across cities, states, and emergency services. BOL alerts are common during car chases, crime alerts, and missing persons cases.

You’ll often hear the 10-7 code (out of service) or 10-42 (end of duty) along with BOLs during regular dispatch calls. These codes are part of everyday police work, and knowing what they mean helps you stay more informed about the activity in your area.

All Police Codes exists to bring clarity to these communication systems. Our ad-supported website remains free for users because we believe in sharing this information openly. Whether you’re researching the BOL Police Code or exploring dozens of other police terms, we’ve got you covered.

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