The Meaning of BOLO in Law Enforcement

The Meaning of BOLO in Law Enforcement The Meaning of BOLO in Law Enforcement When you hear a law enforcement officer talking about a BOLO, odds are that he doesnt mean a kind of whip or a southwestern-style tie. In law enforcement terms, BOLO is an acronym that stands for be on the lookout. BOLOs are issued to police officers based on specific criminal intelligence. They  include information on all sorts of illegal activities from reckless driving to robbery and even homicide.   BOLOs usually include details about a crime suspect such as estimated age, race, height, and weight. They might also give vehicle and clothing descriptions to officers when these things are known and are applicable.   Other Terms for BOLO Law enforcement officers are known for talking in codes and slang. In fact, it can sometimes seem like theyre speaking an  entirely different language. BOLO is one of those slang words that can bring about a bit of confusion. Its more accurately called an All Points Bulletin or an APB. These information bulletins are sent to police officers across all points of jurisdiction and sometimes into neighboring jurisdictions or even across the country. It depends on where a suspect was last seen and where he was believed to be headed.   Another term for BOLO is Attempt to Locate or  ATL. ATLs might also include information about criminal activity or suspects, but BOLOs are usually only called attempts to locate when officers are asked to check on someones welfare as opposed to being alerted  to a potential arrest situation. Amber Alerts are forms of BOLOs that are issued when a child is kidnapped or missing and is believed to be in danger. When Are BOLOs Issued to Police Officers? Police dispatchers issue BOLOs when a crime has been committed and they have information that could lead to finding evidence or to an arrest. This information can come from the original 911 caller or from other officers as they arrive at the scene of a situation. BOLOs are also issued when theres concern for an individuals or a potential victims welfare or safety. This is particularly true if it looks like it might be a missing person case. A BOLO might also be issued when a disabled adult or elderly person has gone missing, such as when an individual suffering from dementia has wandered off.     What Does an Officer Do When He Gets a BOLO? Law enforcement officers keep their  eyes  out for the person, suspect, or vehicle cited in the BOLO when they receive such an alert. Depending on the nature of the BOLO - especially if  someone  is in danger or if the police are looking for a  particularly  dangerous suspect - they might passively or very actively look for the person. When they locate the person identified in the BOLO, police officers can hold him  temporarily  to find out  whether he is, in fact, the suspect in the bulletin. If the BOLO is criminal in nature and when officers can confirm that the individual is indeed the suspect, they will most likely arrest him. Officers will simply make sure the person is safe when a welfare-check BOLO is issued, such as by escorting him home again.