The True Origin: 5 Surprising Reasons Why The Police Are Called '12'

The term "12" has become a ubiquitous piece of street slang across the United States, used as a coded warning or a derogatory nickname for law enforcement officers. As of December 17, 2025, understanding the phrase requires digging into the history of police radio communications and classic pop culture, as it is *not* a reference to an emergency number like 911 or 112. The most prevalent and current theory points directly to the police radio code "10-12," a cautionary signal that officers are not alone. The widespread use of the term, particularly in hip-hop music and social media, has solidified "12" as a contemporary synonym for the police. This article will explore the deep, interconnected origins of this phrase, tracing its roots from obscure police ten-codes to its current status as a cultural shorthand for the presence of the authorities. The true history is a fascinating blend of official protocol, television history, and the evolution of American street language.

The Definitive History of '12' as Police Slang

The slang term "12" is a uniquely American phenomenon, with its primary use originating in the southern states before spreading nationally through popular culture. The term is a direct reference to several key entities within the law enforcement and media landscape.

• Primary Origin: Police Radio Code 10-12
• Secondary Origin: The Classic TV Show *Adam-12*
• Cultural Spread: Hip-Hop Music and Street Culture
• Geographic Roots: Southern United States (e.g., Atlanta, Georgia)
• Time Period: Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s

1. The Crucial Role of the 10-12 Police Radio Code

The most widely accepted and authoritative origin of the slang term "12" is the police ten-code "10-12." The system of ten-codes was developed to allow police officers to communicate quickly and efficiently over the radio using standardized numerical signals. The code "10-12" specifically means "Visitors are present" or "Stand by; be discrete." This code is a direct warning to officers that civilians, unauthorized personnel, or potential threats (like suspects or lookouts) are in the immediate area. In high-crime areas, or within the drug culture of the 1960s and 70s, the term was adopted by the civilian population. It became a shortened, coded way to warn others that law enforcement was approaching or present—a simple "12" was quicker and less conspicuous than a full sentence. The term "12" essentially became a metonym for the police themselves, representing the warning of their presence.

2. The Pop Culture Influence of the TV Show *Adam-12*

Another significant theory links the term directly to the popular 1970s television series, *Adam-12*. The show, which aired from 1968 to 1975, followed the daily lives of two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol officers. The title itself, *Adam-12*, is a reference to the officers' patrol car designation. In the LAPD's radio call sign system, the "Adam" prefix denotes a two-officer patrol unit. The number "12" was the specific unit number. The show was incredibly popular and is credited with familiarizing the public with police radio terminology and unit designations. Just as the police are sometimes referred to as "5-0" (a reference to the TV show *Hawaii Five-O*), the term "12" is believed by many to be a direct, shortened reference to the widely known title *Adam-12*. The show's popularity helped to solidify "12" in the public consciousness as a number strongly associated with patrol officers and police operations.

3. The Evolution of '12' in Modern Street Slang and Music

The term "12" has experienced a massive resurgence and globalization through contemporary culture, particularly in hip-hop music and social media. Artists often use "12" in lyrics as a direct, punchy, and instantly recognizable reference to the police. This usage has spread the slang beyond its original geographic and cultural boundaries. The term is often used in a negative or adversarial context, as seen in the popular anti-police slogan "F*ck 12." This phrase is a direct expression of opposition to law enforcement and the perceived surveillance or harassment associated with police presence. The use of "12" in this context is a form of coded language that communicates a shared understanding of police authority and the need for caution. This modern usage highlights the term's origin as a warning (the 10-12 code) and transforms it into a statement of political or social identity.

4. The Lesser-Known Code 12 Meaning

While "10-12" is the dominant theory, some jurisdictions also use "Code 12" with a different meaning, further confusing the term's origin. In some police and emergency medical services (EMS) environments, a "Code 12" has been used informally to mean "not really an emergency" or a call for "stupid crap." This less common usage, however, does not align with the term's use as a warning of police presence. Another interpretation of a standalone "Code 12" is to "notify the media," but this is also less likely to be the source of the street slang. The overwhelming evidence points back to the 10-12 code meaning "visitors are present" as the true catalyst for the slang term.

5. Why It's Not an Emergency Number

It is important to clearly differentiate the slang "12" from actual emergency telephone numbers around the world. The most common emergency numbers are 911 (North America), 112 (most of Europe and many other countries), and 999 (United Kingdom). No major country uses the number 12 as its primary, direct line for the police. Therefore, the term "why the police are called 12" is a question about slang and cultural history, not about international emergency services. The term "12" is a fascinating example of how police radio codes and popular media can intersect to create lasting street slang that becomes a permanent part of the cultural lexicon. The next time you hear the term, you will know that its roots are in a simple, coded warning: "Visitors are present."