So, why are police called 12? There are many urban legends and myths about why police are called “12.” Some say it’s because there are 12 shift changes in a day, while others claim it’s because there are 12 different types of calls that police can receive. The truth is, the origins of the term are a bit more mundane.
Why Are Police Called 12?
Some think the term “12” comes from the 10-code system developed in the 1930s. This system was designed to help standardize radio communications between police officers. Under the 10-code system, “12” simply meant “stand by,” a common phrase used on police radio frequencies.
Several common phrases often refer to the police force. Depending on the state they were from, individuals started calling officers “12” in the late 1960s, and the term rapidly caught on in the mainstream culture. A Police officer is frequently referred to as “12” and is popular as a United States slang term in southern areas as a police slang.
Many ideas offer the phrase’s origin, yet there is no precise explanation for how it became popular. Due to the police radio code “10-12,” which indicates that there are people present in the location where officers are headed, many people in Atlanta refer to police as “12.” It is also a simple technique to inform a crowd that the police are approaching.
Some Other Claims
Some claim that the word “12” comes from one of the classic television shows of police drama Adam-12, in which two cops drive 1-Adam-12, their patrol unit car, across the streets of Los Angeles. There are also more stories behind this “12.”
Rappers like Quavo, Gucci Mane, and others have used the word “F*** 12” in their popular culture songs, which helped it gain popularity in pop culture.
Why is “12” Becoming More and More Popular?
You now understand why individuals dial “12” when calling the police to subtly alert others that the police or law enforcement have come or are en route and should exercise caution.
The code is becoming more well-known because of how important it is. Although this phrase serves as a warning, it has recently become common in Atlanta, Georgia, and other Southern US cities.
Where did the word “police” originate?
Many folks believe that we derive the term “police” from the Greek word “polity,” which means “to govern.” The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 14th century when people used it to refer to the men responsible for keeping the peace in a town or village. Over time, the meaning of the word police expanded to include all government officials charged with maintaining law and order.
Many countries now divide the police force into several different agencies, each with its area of responsibility. However, the ultimate goal of the police remains the same: to keep the peace and protect citizens from crime. The most prevalent nicknames used to describe police officers include po po, pigs, and cops. There are lots of different definitions for the term “police.”
Final Words
The code “12” has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its importance in alerting others of the presence of law enforcement. The term “police” has a long history, dating back to the 14th century, and is used in many countries to refer to the government officials charged with maintaining law and order.
