All-Points Bulletin: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning

Q: Can the public respond to an APB?

Yes, the public is encouraged to provide information if they have seen or know the whereabouts of the individual mentioned in the APB.

Q: Is an APB the same as a warrant?

No, an APB is not a warrant. It is a request for assistance and does not authorize the arrest of an individual.

Definition & Meaning

An all-points bulletin (APB) is a broadcast communication used by law enforcement agencies in the United States. It serves to share information about wanted individuals, suspects, or persons of interest among various agencies. The term dates back to 1960 and is often used in situations involving dangerous or missing persons. APBs may also be referred to as BOLO (be on the lookout), BOL (be on lookout), lookout, or ATL (attempt to locate).

Table of content

Legal Use & context

APBs are primarily used in criminal law to alert law enforcement agencies about individuals who may pose a threat to public safety or who are sought for questioning. They facilitate collaboration between different law enforcement agencies, ensuring that critical information is shared quickly. Users can find templates for creating APBs through resources like US Legal Forms, which can assist in drafting these important communications.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A police department issues an APB for a suspect involved in a recent robbery. The bulletin includes the suspect's description, the vehicle they were last seen driving, and a request for the public's assistance in locating them.

Example 2: A local agency sends out an APB for a missing person, providing details about their last known whereabouts and physical characteristics to help in the search. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	APB Usage
California	APBs are commonly used for high-profile cases and missing persons.
Texas	APBs may include information on both suspects and missing persons.
New York	APBs are frequently utilized in urban areas for rapid dissemination of information.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Differences
BOLO	Be on the lookout for a specific individual.	Often used interchangeably with APB but may be less formal.
BOL	Be on lookout, similar to BOLO.	Less commonly used and may not carry the same urgency.
ATL	Attempt to locate a person.	Focuses on finding a person rather than alerting about a crime.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you receive an APB or are mentioned in one, it is crucial to understand your rights. You may want to consult with a legal professional to discuss your situation. If you are a law enforcement agency needing to issue an APB, consider using templates available from US Legal Forms to ensure all necessary information is included.

Find the legal form that fits your case

Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.

This field is required

Quick facts

APBs are used by law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
They can involve various types of cases, including missing persons and wanted suspects.
APBs facilitate communication between different law enforcement agencies.
Templates for APBs are available through legal resources like US Legal Forms.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of an APB?

The purpose of an APB is to alert law enforcement agencies about individuals who may pose a threat or are sought for questioning.