Ever watched a crime show where someone yells, “Put out an APB!” and wondered what that really means? Or maybe you’ve seen “APB” mentioned in a news headline or online post and got curious.
APB stands for “All Points Bulletin” — a broadcast alert issued by law enforcement to notify other officers or agencies about a wanted person, missing individual, or urgent situation.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- The meaning of APB
- Its origin and real-world use
- How it’s used in media, texting, and online
- Examples, related terms, and FAQs
🚔 What Does APB Mean?
APB stands for “All Points Bulletin.”
It’s a law enforcement term used to broadcast a message to all police departments or officers in a region about a wanted suspect, vehicle, or critical alert.
Today, the term is also used figuratively in media, gaming, and texting to mean “alerting everyone” about something important.
📜 Origin and Popularity
The term APB dates back to the mid-20th century, when police communication relied on radio bulletins to spread urgent information quickly.
Here’s a quick timeline of its usage evolution:
| Year | Event / Context | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | Early U.S. police communications | Used to alert all units via radio |
| 1970s–1980s | Crime TV dramas (e.g., CHiPs, Hill Street Blues) | Became a common pop-culture phrase |
| 2000s | Video games and media | Used in police and crime missions |
| 2010s–2020s | Online slang | Informally used to mean “spread the word” |
Over time, APB became widely recognized due to its use in movies, TV shows, and police reports — making it one of the most familiar law enforcement acronyms worldwide.
💬 APB Meaning in Different Contexts
The meaning of APB can vary slightly depending on where it’s used — from official police communication to casual online slang.
🚓 In Law Enforcement
- Formal Definition: “All Points Bulletin” is a notice sent to multiple police departments to locate a suspect, vehicle, or missing person.
- Usage Example: “An APB has been issued for the suspect in the downtown robbery.”
📺 In Pop Culture & Media
- Often heard in crime dramas or detective shows, symbolizing urgency or a manhunt.
- Example: “CSI just issued an APB on the getaway car.”
💬 In Texting or Internet Slang
- Used humorously or casually to mean alerting everyone.
- Example: “APB on my missing phone charger — whoever finds it is my hero!”
| Platform | Meaning of APB | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Police Use | Official alert | ✅ Formal |
| Movies/TV | Dramatic or narrative device | ⚙️ Semi-formal |
| Texting/Social Media | Casual “alert everyone” slang | 🚫 Informal |
🗣️ Examples of APB in Conversations
Example 1 – Police Context
Officer 1: “We’ve got a suspect fleeing northbound.”
Officer 2: “Copy that. I’m putting out an APB right now.”
Example 2 – TV / Media Context
Reporter: “Police have issued an APB for a missing child last seen downtown.”
Example 3 – Casual / Texting Use
Friend 1: “Has anyone seen my wallet?”
Friend 2: “Let’s send an APB out for it 😂.”
Example 4 – Gaming Use
Player 1: “Enemy spotted!”
Player 2: “APB to the squad — regroup now!”
🔍 Similar or Related Terms
Here are some related acronyms and slang terms used in similar contexts:
| Term | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BOLO | Be On the Lookout | Common police term similar to APB |
| A.P.B. | All Points Bulletin | Official law enforcement alert |
| Amber Alert | – | Emergency alert for missing children |
| Wanted Notice | – | Poster or bulletin about a suspect |
| APBO | All Points Broadcast Order | Extended form sometimes used in dispatch systems |
👉 While APB and BOLO are often used interchangeably, BOLO is more common in modern policing.
✅ How to Use APB Correctly
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you use the term “APB” correctly:
Do’s:
- ✅ Use APB when referring to a wide alert or search.
- ✅ Use it humorously in casual chats (“APB on snacks for movie night!”).
- ✅ Use in writing or storytelling to create tension or urgency.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Don’t use it in formal business communication (it’s not corporate jargon).
- ❌ Don’t confuse it with “BOLO” or “Amber Alert” — they have specific legal meanings.
Example:
✅ “We’ve got an APB on the missing package.”
❌ “Send an APB to HR about tomorrow’s meeting.”
⚠️ Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
- Confusing APB with BOLO: While similar, APB is a general broadcast; BOLO is a more targeted alert.
- Thinking it’s only for police: It’s now part of everyday language — especially in memes, jokes, and TV.
- Using it in formal writing: APB works best in informal or narrative contexts, not business emails.
❓ FAQ: APB Meaning Explained
1. What does APB mean in police terms?
APB stands for “All Points Bulletin” — a system used by police to broadcast information about suspects, vehicles, or emergencies across all units or stations.
2. What does APB mean in texting?
In texting, “APB” means to alert everyone about something important — often used humorously or sarcastically among friends.
3. What’s the difference between APB and BOLO?
Both mean to alert officers, but APB is a general broadcast, while BOLO (“Be On the Lookout”) is a specific directive to look for a person or vehicle.
4. Is APB slang or an official term?
It’s an official law enforcement acronym, but it has also become popular as informal slang online and in media.
5. When should you not use APB?
Avoid using “APB” in formal or business emails, as it’s more suited to casual or dramatic contexts like storytelling or social media posts.
6. Where did APB originate?
It originated from police radio communication systems in the 1940s and became famous through TV shows, news, and video games.
🧩 Conclusion
The meaning of APB — “All Points Bulletin” — goes beyond police jargon. From law enforcement radios to crime dramas and memes, it represents the idea of spreading urgent information quickly and widely.
Now that you know what APB means and how to use it correctly, you’ll catch it everywhere — in shows, games, and even your own texts.
Stay curious and keep exploring our site for more insights into slang, abbreviations, and trending internet terms.
Sarah Moss is a word-meaning specialist at Meanovia.com. She breaks down complex terms, definitions, and language trends into simple, clear explanations. Her goal is to help readers quickly understand the true meaning behind every word they search.
