An all-points bulletin (APB) is a broadcast issued from one US law enforcement agency to another. It typically contains information about a wanted suspect who is to be arrested or a person of interest, for whom law enforcement officers are to look. They are usually dangerous or missing persons. As used by US police, the term dates to at least 1960.[1] An all-points bulletin can also be known as a BOLO or BOL, which stands for "be on the look-out". Such an alert may also be called a lookout or ATL ("attempt to locate").
A similar acronym used by Australian law enforcement is KALOF (for "keep a look-out for"). The United Kingdom uses a similar system known as the all-ports warning or APW, which circulates a suspect's description to airports, ports and international railway stations to detect an offender leaving the country. However, because of the great numbers of commuters at such places, UK Police forces often prefer to contact specific airports, ports or stations and circulate descriptions individually.[2]
APBs in popular culture
APBs and BOLOs are a common plot element in police procedural shows and other dramas, such as 24, Without a Trace, NCIS, CSI: Miami, CSI NY, The Shield, NYPD Blue, Murder, She Wrote, Dexter and The Mentalist.
See also
References
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