Police radio language is filled with codes and nicknames that sound cryptic to most people. For anyone who’s watched a crime drama or listened to a police scanner, one term that often comes up is “Units Adam.” But what does “Units Adam” actually mean, and how did police departments come to use this type of nickname? This blog post will break down the origins of “Units Adam,” explain how these radio codes work, and offer an inside look at why law enforcement still relies on this naming convention.
Inside Police Radio Codes: The Basics
Before we get into “Units Adam,” it helps to understand how police communication works. Police departments use radio call signs to identify different units and officers while keeping communication clear and secure. These signs often use the NATO phonetic alphabet or other standardized codes.
Why Radio Codes Matter
Police radio traffic needs to be fast, unambiguous, and organized. Using codes and call signs:
- Reduces confusion, especially in noisy environments
- Differentiates units by area, team, or assignment
- Enhances security and privacy in communications
- Helps keep messages short and efficient
The Phonetic Alphabet in Policing
The NATO phonetic alphabet assigns code words (Adam = A, Boy = B, Charles = C, etc.) to each letter of the alphabet. This practice dates back to World War II and was adopted widely for military, emergency services, and aviation to avoid misunderstood letters.
Decoding “Units Adam”: What Does It Mean?
The phrase “Units Adam” is more than just a name.
Adam acts as a phonetic identifier for a specific class or function of a police unit, most commonly used in large city police departments like the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department). For example, if you hear dispatch calling for “Adam-12,” that would refer to a specific unit using the identifier “Adam.”
LAPD and the “Adam” Units
The “Units Adam” radio system became especially famous due to the classic TV show “Adam-12,” which depicted the daily work of LAPD officers. On LAPD radio, the word “Adam” refers to a two-officer patrol unit assigned to a specific area.
Police Call Sign Structure
LAPD call signs (and similar systems in other cities) typically follow this structure:
- Division or area code (a number)
- Unit identifier (a letter, often from the phonetic alphabet)
- Specific unit number (another number)
Example:
“1-Adam-12” breaks down as:
- 1 (Division or area number)
- Adam (Two-person patrol unit)
- 12 (Unit number for identification)
How Are the Letters Chosen?
Each letter from the phonetic alphabet usually stands for a particular assignment. While the exact meanings can vary by city or department, these are common LAPD assignments:
- Adam: Two-officer patrol car
- Boy: One-officer patrol car
- Charles: Special detail unit (often detectives)
- David: SWAT or gang unit
- Edward: Traffic enforcement
Knowing this system helps officers and dispatchers quickly understand the team composition and assignment with just a call sign.
Why Use Nicknames Like “Adam”?
Nicknames and call signs offer both clarity and brevity. Here’s why “Adam Units” (and their counterparts) make sense:
- Dispatchers can communicate quickly during urgent situations.
- Other officers immediately know how many people are in a unit (two for Adam).
- The public and media don’t get sensitive details, but officers stay informed.
- Standardization reduces chances of mix-ups between different teams or officers.
Real-World Example: Listening to a Police Scanner
Suppose you’re listening to LAPD radio and hear:
“1-Adam-12, respond to a possible burglary in progress at 435 Main Street.”
Decoding this, you’d know:
- The call is for a two-officer patrol car from Division 1, unit number 12.
- The officers are being dispatched to a specific incident.
This call sign system isn’t just a relic from classic TV shows; it’s a functional tool law enforcement uses every day.
Are “Adam Units” Used Everywhere?
While “Adam” is specific to the LAPD and some other departments, many police agencies in the US use a similar phonetic-based system, though the exact letter assignments might differ.
- NYPD (New York Police Department) often uses a different structure, but specialized task forces or legacy systems may use similar terminology.
- Smaller or rural departments may rely less on detailed phonetic codes, using simple unit numbers.
How Are Units and Call Signs Assigned?
Most police departments assign units and call signs based on:
- Shift and team composition (single vs. two-person)
- Function or special assignment (patrol, detective, SWAT, traffic)
- Geographic area or division
Call signs are updated with each shift change to reflect who is on duty and what their current assignment is.
Beyond “Adam”: Other Common Police Call Signs
Wondering what other police nicknames you might hear on the radio? Here are a few, and what they typically mean:
- Boy: Single officer patrol
- Charlie/Charles: Detectives or specialized detail
- David: Tactical teams (often SWAT or gang units)
- Edward: Traffic units
- Frank: Foot patrol
- King: K-9 units
- Lincoln: Lieutenants or supervisors
- Mary: Motorcycle units
- Ocean: Mounted patrol
- Sam: Sergeants
Officers may be assigned to these units based on their rank or role.
Pop Culture Impact of “Adam” Units
The influence of “Units Adam” in pop culture can’t be understated. The TV show Adam-12 aired from 1968 to 1975 and depicted a realistic look at LAPD patrol units, helping to popularize the use of “Adam” and bringing the public closer to the workings of police radio.
Following the success of the show, many viewers started to use “Adam-12” as shorthand for any police patrol car, even outside of Los Angeles.
Practical Takeaways for Civilians
- Listening carefully to police scanner traffic can reveal which units are responding to what incidents, if you understand the code.
- Don’t confuse “Units Adam” with police ranks. Adam refers to the type and staffing of a patrol car, not an officer’s title.
- Other agencies may use different codes, but the principle is the same: phonetic alphabet letters give fast, clear identification.
Keeping Police Communication Secure and Efficient
The main purpose of code names like “Units Adam” is to create order in potentially chaotic situations. Whether for routine patrols or emergency responses, clear communication saves time and lives.
Law enforcement radio systems have evolved, but the fundamental need for brevity, clarity, and security remains. This is why the use of the phonetic alphabet, including names like “Adam,” is still relevant.