What is a BMA in police terms?
Asked by: Lester Leffler | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)
In police terminology, BMA most commonly stands for Black Male Adult, used in reports and dispatch to quickly describe a suspect or person of interest's demographics (Race/Sex/Age), alongside similar codes like WMA (White Male Adult) or BFJ (Black Female Juvenile). It's a shorthand for efficient communication, especially in database entries or radio logs.
What is BMA in police terms?
BMA. - BLACK-MALE-ADULT.
What does BMA stand for?
BMA is a versatile acronym with meanings in medicine (British Medical Association, Bone Marrow Aspiration), business (Business Marketing Association, Business Modelling Associates), and academics (Bachelor of Musical Arts), among others, so the specific meaning depends heavily on the context, ranging from professional groups and educational degrees to slang like "Best Mates Always".
What is the abbreviation for police?
While "Police" isn't a true acronym but comes from French for "public order," common abbreviations and slang include P.D. (Police Department), PC (Police Constable), COP (slang from "copper" or "capture"), and code 12 (meaning visitors/civilians present, leading to "the 12" for police). Various ranks also have abbreviations like S.P. (Superintendent of Police) or I.G. (Inspector General).
What's a slang word for police?
Common slang for police includes cop, copper, pig (derogatory), 5-0, the fuzz, po-po, and the heat, with regional variations like UK's bobby or Australia's blue heeler, reflecting different eras and attitudes, though cop is now widely accepted even by officers themselves.
Law enforcement jargon, acronyms and slang
What is the 3 police code?
CODE 3 EMERGENCY RESPONSE A “CODE 3” response is defined as an emergency response determined by factors such as immediate danger to officer or public safety that require an expedited priority response utilizing lights and sirens.
Does 10/7 mean dead?
While 10-7 typically means "Out of Service" for police (off-duty/unavailable), it's often used as a euphemism for a deceased person ("permanently out of service"), especially during a funeral or for an officer who passed away, though some agencies have different codes like Signal 7 or 10-67 for death. Because police 10-codes aren't universally standardized, usage varies by department, but its meaning shifts from temporary to permanent unavailability when referring to death.
What are the 10 basic codes?
Basic 10 codes are short numerical codes used in radio communication, especially by police, fire, and security, to convey common messages quickly, like 10-4 for "Message Received/OK," 10-8 for "In Service," and 10-33 for "Emergency/Need Immediate Assistance," saving time and clarifying status or requests, though meanings can vary slightly by agency.
What is a BMA?
BMA is a versatile acronym with meanings in medicine (British Medical Association, Bone Marrow Aspiration), business (Business Marketing Association, Business Modelling Associates), and academics (Bachelor of Musical Arts), among others, so the specific meaning depends heavily on the context, ranging from professional groups and educational degrees to slang like "Best Mates Always".
What does BMA represent?
The British Medical Association (BMA) is an independent trade union and voluntary professional association which represents doctors and medical students from all branches of medicine all over the UK.
What are the duties of the BMA?
The Authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health; immigration control; access control; biosecurity; food safety and phyto-sanitary control; land border infrastructure development and maintenance; and border information and risk ...
Why are cops called 5-0?
“Five-o” referred to the Hawaiian police force in the show, based on Hawaii being the fiftieth state to join the union. Though inaccurate, as Hawaiian police officers in real life have no such designation, the nickname became popular among fans and is still used to refer to police across the country to this day.
What does 1097 mean in police code?
Police code 10-97 usually means "Arrived at the scene" or "Check signal," indicating an officer has reached their destination or is testing the radio, though meanings can vary slightly by agency, sometimes signifying a "Hospital Report," "Civil Disturbance," or "Wrecker needed," so context is key for its specific meaning.
What does "PD" stand for in policing?
Britannica Dictionary definition of PD. US. police department.
Why do they call police 12?
Police are called "12" primarily due to the police radio code "10-12," meaning "visitors/civilians present" or "stand by," which became a shorthand for police presence, popularized by hip-hop and street culture as a quick warning; other theories include the TV show Adam-12 or Atlanta narcotics units.
What is code 99 police?
A police Code 99 usually means an officer is in immediate, severe danger and needs all available backup, signaling a critical "officer needs assistance" situation, though codes vary by agency and can also relate to traffic (reckless driving) or warrant processes in some areas. It's a high-priority, all-hands-on-deck call for emergencies like an ambush, violent encounter, or dangerous pursuit, requiring rapid deployment of resources.
What does 211 mean in cop code?
In police code, 211 almost universally means Robbery, often a robbery in progress, derived from California Penal Code § 211, and signals a high-priority, dangerous situation requiring an urgent, armed response. While specific codes can vary, "211" for robbery is widely recognized, sometimes extending to carjacking in slang, but always indicating a serious threat of force or theft.
Who pays more, CIA or FBI?
It's complex, but the FBI often offers higher starting salaries for new agents due to law enforcement pay scales (LEAP), while the CIA can potentially offer more for specialized, senior roles in technical or paramilitary fields, with overall earnings depending heavily on the specific job, experience, location, and bonuses. Entry-level FBI special agents can start around $78k-$80k, while senior CIA roles with high-demand skills might reach $200k+, though the CIA's structure and bonuses make direct comparisons tricky.
Can I wear a jacket that says FBI?
You can wear a jacket that says "FBI," but it's risky because it can easily lead to impersonating a federal officer, which is illegal and can get you into serious trouble, especially if you carry yourself like an agent or wear it with other gear like a badge; genuine FBI apparel is restricted and often sold only to personnel.
Who is #1 on the FBI list?
There isn't a single "FBI Top 1," as the FBI has several "Most Wanted" lists (Ten Most Wanted, Terrorists, Cyber, etc.), and they don't officially rank them #1; however, the original "Ten Most Wanted" list is famous, and fugitives are added based on danger, not strict ranking, with Thomas James Holden sometimes referenced as #1 historically or for specific cases.