If you’ve watched police dramas or listened to actual scanner traffic, you’ve likely heard officers refer to “Lincoln” units or sprinkle the word “Lincoln” into their radio calls. But what does “Lincoln” actually mean in police communication, and why do officers use such nicknames? This blog breaks down the origins, usage, and significance of “Lincoln” and other police radio codes, revealing how these naming conventions play a vital role in law enforcement operations.
Why Do Police Use Nicknames Like “Lincoln”?
Police radio is filled with unique lingo, designed for speed, clarity, and confidentiality. These codes, nicknames, and the use of the phonetic alphabet help law enforcement officers communicate efficiently, especially in high-stakes situations where every second counts.
The word “Lincoln” is one common example from the police phonetic alphabet, which translates letters into distinct words to avoid confusion over the air. Think “Adam” for “A,” “Baker” for “B,” “Charles” for “C,” and “Lincoln” for “L.” But “Lincoln” also serves another purpose, especially in unit designations and call signs.
The Police Phonetic Alphabet and Its Purpose
What Is the Phonetic Alphabet?
The phonetic alphabet assigns a unique word to each letter in the alphabet. Law enforcement agencies—including police, fire, and EMS services—use this alphabet to spell out information clearly under potentially noisy conditions or when radio quality is low. For officers on patrol or dispatchers sending out urgent information, clarity is non-negotiable.
Common Police Phonetic Alphabet Words
Here are some of the most-used examples:
- A – Adam
- B – Baker
- C – Charles
- D – David
- E – Edward
- F – Frank
- G – George
- H – Henry
- I – Ida
- J – John
- K – King
- L – Lincoln
- M – Mary
- N – Nora
- O – Ocean
- P – Paul
- Q – Queen
- R – Robert
- S – Sam
- T – Tom
- U – Union
- V – Victor
- W – William
- X – X-ray
- Y – Young
- Z – Zebra
This set is sometimes called the “police alphabet” or “law enforcement phonetic alphabet,” and while there’s some variation between agencies, “Lincoln” almost always stands for “L.”
What Does “Lincoln” Mean in Police Call Signs?
When you hear a police officer refer to “Lincoln 12” or “Lincoln 234,” it’s not just a random nickname. These are call signs or unit identifiers, and “Lincoln” carries a specific meaning based on the context and the agency.
Unit Designations
Many police departments use a letter-word to identify the type of unit or assignment. The system is both practical and privacy-oriented. For example:
- “Lincoln” units often designate a lieutenant or supervisor unit.
- “Adam” units might indicate a two-officer patrol car.
- “Mary” could represent motorcycle units.
- “Sam” often refers to sergeants.
Example: If an officer is “Lincoln 2,” that likely means they’re a lieutenant, not a regular patrol officer. This helps dispatch and field units identify who is on the radio and their role on scene.
Why Use Names Instead of Letters or Numbers?
Using “Lincoln” instead of “L” avoids confusion between similar-sounding letters (like “M” and “N” or “L” and “F”). Radio static, regional accents, or environmental noise can make it difficult to distinguish a single letter. Saying “Lincoln” ensures the message is received accurately every time.
How Are Call Signs Structured?
A typical police radio call sign or unit identifier combines:
- A phonetic word (like “Lincoln”) that denotes the role, rank, or assignment.
- A number, which usually identifies the individual, shift, or district.
Examples in Action:
- “Lincoln 10, you have a call holding in sector 3.”
- “Adam 21, respond to the intersection of Main and Elm.”
- “Mary 15, traffic stop at Broadway and 7th.”
These structured call signs keep communication efficient while protecting sensitive information.
Common “Lincoln” Usage in Major Agencies
LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department)
LAPD is known for influencing radio procedure standards across the United States. For the LAPD:
- “Lincoln” designates a unit commanded by a lieutenant. For example, “Lincoln 5” is the lieutenant on duty in a given area.
- “Adam” is a two-officer patrol unit, while “Sam” is a sergeant.
Heard on the air:
“Lincoln 20, request backup at 5th and Flower.”
NYPD (New York Police Department)
While the NYPD uses a slightly different system, “Lincoln” might still be encountered in phonetic spellings during transmissions, such as reading a license plate aloud.
Highway Patrol & Other Agencies
Some agencies reserve “Lincoln” for traffic or detective units, though the “lieutenant” designation is most widespread in the US. It’s always wise to check the specific code structure for your local area or agency.
Why Phonetic Codes Still Matter in the Age of Digital Radios
You might ask—isn’t all this lingo outdated, given technology like GPS tracking and encrypted messaging? The answer is no. Radio transmission is still the fastest way to relay urgent, real-time information to all units simultaneously. When seconds matter, plain and clear radio language is still king.
Phonetic codes, including “Lincoln,” also offer a layer of privacy and confidentiality. If someone unconnected to law enforcement is listening in (which is possible with non-encrypted scanners), they won’t easily decipher roles or ranks from radio traffic. Meanwhile, internal personnel can immediately know who is calling and what resources are available.
Beyond “Lincoln”: Other Essential Police Codes
Ten-Codes
Besides phonetic call signs, you’ll often hear police use Ten-codes like “10-4” (message received), “10-20” (location), and so on. These codes also ensure quick and standardized communication across jurisdictions.
Signals & Plain Language
Some agencies have moved toward “plain language” (saying things simply and directly) for interagency clarity, but “Lincoln” and other phonetic identifiers remain essential for their precision.
Key Takeaways for Civilians and Enthusiasts
- If you hear “Lincoln” on a police scanner or in a TV show, it almost always refers to the “L” in a call sign, often identifying a lieutenant or supervisory unit.
- “Lincoln” helps reduce radio confusion and keeps communications clear, especially under pressure.
- Law enforcement phonetic codes like “Lincoln” are part of a broader set of tools meant to keep officers safe, informed, and connected.
Knowing the meaning behind “Lincoln” can make listening to police communications and understanding media reports much easier.