Define a BOLO and its purpose in policing.

• A. A plan to coordinate vehicle pursuits between agencies.
• B. Be On the Lookout; a broadcast to other units about a suspect, vehicle, or person of interest.
• C. A public safety announcement to citizens.
• D. A request for backup at a specific location.

Answer: (B)

Be On the Lookout, or BOLO, is a broadcast to other units about a suspect, vehicle, or person of interest. Its purpose is to quickly share actionable information so officers in the field can be vigilant for the subject, verify reports, and take appropriate safety-minded actions to locate or apprehend them. A BOLO typically includes descriptions, last known location or direction of travel, and distinguishing identifiers such as clothing, features, or vehicle details like make, model, color, and license plate. The aim is to maximize awareness across crews and agencies and improve response effectiveness.

The other options describe activities that don’t fit what a BOLO is: coordinating a pursuit plan is a tactical operation between agencies, not an immediate lookout message; a public safety announcement to citizens targets the public rather than responding officers; a backup request is a general incident assistance request rather than a lookout broadcast.