why are police called 12

The term "12" as a slang reference to police officers most likely originates from police radio codes, specifically the "10-12" code, which means "stand by" or "be on alert" because visitors or bystanders are present. This "10-12" code was shortened to "12" and became a warning used in street slang to indicate police presence. Additionally, some believe the term also comes from the Atlanta Police Department's narcotics unit, whose officers' unit numbers began with "12," and others connect it to the popular 1960s-70s TV show "Adam-12," though that is less likely. The term gained widespread use through hip-hop culture, rap music, and social media, embedding itself deeply in American street slang as a nickname for police officers.