all-points bulletin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Low-frequency, specialized term)Formal, Technical (primarily law enforcement), occasionally Informal (metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “all-points bulletin” mean?
A broadcast alert, typically issued by law enforcement, to all units or agencies requesting assistance in locating a wanted person, suspect, or missing individual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broadcast alert, typically issued by law enforcement, to all units or agencies requesting assistance in locating a wanted person, suspect, or missing individual.
Can refer to any widespread, urgent notice or alert sent to multiple parties for attention or action. Used metaphorically to describe a broad call for help or information in non-law enforcement contexts (e.g., business, social).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and remains predominantly used in American English and its law enforcement lexicon. In British English, equivalent terms like "police alert," "wanted bulletin," or "circulation" are more natural, though "APB" is understood due to media exposure.
Connotations
In AmE: Strong, specific procedural connotations (official police communication). In BrE: Often perceived as an Americanism, carrying connotations imported from US media (crime dramas, news).
Frequency
Very low frequency in genuine UK police communication; higher frequency in UK media discussing US events or using American procedural tropes.
Grammar
How to Use “all-points bulletin” in a Sentence
[Authorities] issued an all-points bulletin for [Target].An all-points bulletin has been put out on [Target].There's an APB out for [Target].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “all-points bulletin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The force circulated the suspect's details nationwide.
- They were told to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
American English
- The sheriff's department APB'd the suspect's description.
- They BOLO'd the license plate number.
adverb
British English
- The details were sent out nationally.
- The information was circulated widely.
American English
- The alert went out APB-style.
- The description was broadcast all-points.
adjective
British English
- A circulated description.
- A wanted-persons alert.
American English
- An APB alert.
- A BOLO report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The CEO put out an all-points bulletin for new ideas to cut costs.'
Academic
Rare; potentially in criminology or media studies discussing police communications.
Everyday
Rare in literal use; possible in metaphorical/jocular use: 'I've put out an APB on my missing car keys.'
Technical
Standard term in US law enforcement procedure for a specific type of inter-agency alert.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “all-points bulletin”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “all-points bulletin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “all-points bulletin”
- Using 'all-points bulletin' to refer to a general news announcement (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'all-point bulletin' (missing the 's').
- Using it in a UK context where more local terms exist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in both spoken and written contexts, the acronym 'APB' is far more frequently used than the full phrase.
It would sound very American. While understood, a British speaker would more naturally say "a police alert" or "the police have put out a description."
An APB is a general law enforcement tool for various searches. An Amber Alert is a specific, public emergency alert system in the US/Canada for abducted children, which often involves public notifications via media and highway signs.
Yes, it is a fixed, hyphenated compound noun. The standard form is 'all-points bulletin' (with hyphens) or the acronym APB.
A broadcast alert, typically issued by law enforcement, to all units or agencies requesting assistance in locating a wanted person, suspect, or missing individual.
All-points bulletin is usually formal, technical (primarily law enforcement), occasionally informal (metaphorical use) in register.
All-points bulletin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɔːlˌpɔɪnts ˈbʊl.ə.tɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːlˌpɔɪnts ˈbʊl.ə.t̬ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put out an APB on [something/someone] (metaphorically: make a widespread search or request).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a police officer putting a bulletin (notice) on ALL POINTS of a compass, meaning it goes everywhere.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A BROADCAST / SEARCHING IS HUNTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'all-points bulletin' most authentically used?