Why Is Police Called 12

Ed Bradley

less than a minute read

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11-12-2024

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The term "12" as a slang reference to the police isn't universally used or understood, and its origins aren't definitively documented. Unlike some police slang with clear historical roots (like "the fuzz" or "the boys in blue"), the use of "12" lacks a single, widely accepted explanation. Several theories exist, however, offering possible interpretations:

Potential Explanations for "12"

• Gang-Related Slang: One prominent theory suggests its origins lie within gang culture. Numbers frequently hold significance in gangs, often representing specific crews, territories, or activities. "12" might have been adopted by a particular gang to refer to law enforcement, possibly as a code word or inside joke. Without specific gang documentation, however, this remains speculative.

• Numerical Symbolism: Some speculate a numerical association with police codes, badges, or internal rankings. It's unlikely, however, that a single, ubiquitous police code universally uses "12" to represent the entire force. This theory lacks concrete evidence.

• Regional Variation: The use of "12" to represent the police might be highly localized to specific regions or communities. A term's meaning can vary drastically across different areas, making it difficult to pinpoint a single, definitive origin.

• Evolution from Other Slang: It is possible that "12" evolved from a different slang term or police code that is now obsolete or largely unknown. Tracing the semantic evolution of such terms is challenging due to the often ephemeral nature of slang.

Lack of Definitive Evidence

Despite various theories, concrete evidence confirming the definitive origin of using "12" to refer to the police is scarce. The term's usage likely varies in both frequency and meaning depending on location, context, and community. Further research within specific gang cultures or regional slang dictionaries might shed more light on the matter.

In conclusion: While several explanations exist, the exact reason behind referring to the police as "12" remains uncertain. The lack of definitive documentation makes it difficult to definitively trace its origin. Further investigation is needed to confirm any of the proposed hypotheses.