Police Called 12, Why? Where did the term 12 come from?
In Baltimore we weren't called 12, we were referred to as 5-0, or Knockers.
According to 95.9 News Talk 1450 radio's site, "Police are called 12 as a slang term. According to sources, 12 comes from the police radio code “10-12,” which means that visitors are present in the area where police are going. It’s similar to a warning to police that they might have company when they arrive on the scene. If you ask Urban Dictionary, many folks have different definitions for the slang term and where it originated." https://woldcnews.com/
Police Called 12, Why?
The US Sun, said "“12” is a popular slang term for police officers most commonly used in southern states. While there is no exact explanation as to how the term caught on, many theories suggest the origin of the term. Many people in Atlanta refer to cops as 12 due to the police radio code “10-12,” which means that civilians are present in the area where police are going."
I decided to ask the internet and Chat GPT these questions about 12 and police.
However, Chat GPT says, "The origin of the term "12" when referring to the police is not clear-cut, and there isn't a definitive explanation for its specific association with law enforcement". "12" used as a code or slang term is not common all over the US. Slang for poolice varies in different regions and may have developed independently over time.
One theory suggests that the term "12" originated from the TV show "Adam-12," which aired from 1968 to 1975. The show followed the lives of two LAPD officers and featured their patrol car with the unit number "1-Adam-12." Some speculate that the number "12" became associated with the police due to the popularity and influence of the show.
Police Called 12, Why?
However, it's important to note that the use of "12" as a police code predates the airing of "Adam-12." Law enforcement agencies have long used various codes and numerical designations to facilitate efficient communication. These codes can differ significantly between jurisdictions, and the number "12" may have been adopted as a code for a specific action, location, or unit in some areas.
Another theory suggests that the term "12" originated from the drug culture of the 1960s and 1970s. In this context, "12" allegedly referred to narcotics officers, who were often associated with combating drug-related crimes. Over time, the term may have evolved and spread beyond the drug subculture, becoming more widely used to refer to the police in general.
It's worth noting that police codes and slang terms can evolve organically within law enforcement communities and may not have a single, definitive origin. The use of "12" may have emerged and gained popularity in different regions or subcultures for various reasons. Local slang, pop culture references, and historical factors can all contribute to the development and adoption of such terms. Police Called 12, Why?
While "12" may be recognized and understood as a reference to the police in certain contexts or regions, it is not a universally recognized or standardized police code. It's crucial to remember that police codes can vary significantly between jurisdictions and even between different departments within the same area.
In conclusion, the exact origin of the term "12" when referring to the police remains uncertain. While theories associate it with the TV show "Adam-12" or its connection to the drug culture, the usage and meaning of "12" can vary across different regions and contexts. The evolution of police codes and slang terms is complex, often influenced by local practices, subcultures, and historical factors.
So there is no one thing that we can pinpoint as the exact origins of the slang term 12 for police. More than likely it came from part of all the above listed reasons. Or more than likely the person using the slang term probably heard it being used by someone else and is simply saying it to sound like they fit in.
Police Called 12, Why?
This blog post sources are WOLDCNEWS.com, Chat GPT and The US Sun.
