The acronym BOLO usually stands for “Be On the Lookout” — a term widely used in law enforcement, security, and surveillance. It’s a clear and urgent call to pay attention to something or someone, often in critical or time-sensitive situations.
But just like BOLO itself, there are many other acronyms and alert phrases that serve the same purpose—with subtle differences in tone, urgency, and context.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 alternatives to “BOLO”, breaking down what each one means, when it’s best used, and how to incorporate it effectively into writing or conversation. Whether you’re crafting a crime thriller, writing for emergency services, or just want to sound sharp and informed—this guide is your go-to vocabulary toolbox.
🚨 30 Alternatives to the “BOLO Acronym” (Be On the Lookout)
1. APB (All Points Bulletin)
Meaning: A broadcast alert to all law enforcement agencies.
Example: An APB was issued for the missing suspect.
Use when: Widespread alert across multiple departments is needed.
2. BOLO (Be On the Lookout)
(Original Term)
Example: Officers received a BOLO for a red sedan leaving the scene.
Use when: A general watch alert is required, often for persons or vehicles.
3. ATL (Attempt to Locate)
Meaning: A directive to locate a person or object.
Example: Dispatch issued an ATL for the runaway teen.
Use when: The location of a subject is unknown, but presumed within reach.
4. BOC (Be On Call)
Meaning: Stay alert and available for immediate action.
Example: Medical teams remained BOC during the emergency.
Use when: Readiness is required, not just observation.
5. FYI (For Your Information)
Meaning: A less urgent alert; awareness without immediate action.
Example: FYI, there’s been a spike in local break-ins.
Use when: Sharing intel that may become important later.
6. SOA (State of Alert)
Meaning: A heightened awareness level.
Example: The city was placed in SOA after the threats.
Use when: General readiness and caution are needed.
7. Red Flag
Meaning: A warning signal or indication of danger.
Example: Multiple red flags were raised about the new hire.
Use when: You sense trouble brewing, not necessarily active.
8. Watchlist
Meaning: A list of individuals or entities to monitor.
Example: He was already on the federal watchlist.
Use when: Passive but sustained observation is needed.
9. SITREP (Situation Report)
Meaning: A real-time update on current conditions.
Example: Send a SITREP every hour until further notice.
Use when: Ongoing monitoring and updates are required.
10. Amber Alert
Meaning: Public alert system for child abductions.
Example: An Amber Alert was issued within minutes of the report.
Use when: Child abductions are suspected.
11. Code Red
Meaning: High-priority emergency.
Example: The hospital declared a Code Red after the explosion.
Use when: Immediate danger or life-threatening event occurs.
12. Heads-Up
Meaning: Informal alert or advance notice.
Example: Just a heads-up: the security audit is tomorrow.
Use when: Friendly but important reminders are needed.
13. Flagged
Meaning: Marked for attention or caution.
Example: The transaction was flagged as suspicious.
Use when: Surveillance detects a notable deviation.
14. Ping
Meaning: Quick check or signal for status or location.
Example: I’ll ping him before we move in.
Use when: Immediate location or confirmation is needed.
15. Flash Alert
Meaning: Instant, high-urgency message.
Example: A flash alert was sent to all personnel.
Use when: Emergency notification is crucial.
16. Alert
Meaning: General term for caution or awareness.
Example: Stay alert while patrolling the area.
Use when: Ongoing awareness is more important than action.
17. Warning
Meaning: Formal notice of possible danger.
Example: They issued a warning for severe weather.
Use when: A situation might escalate.
18. Intel Drop
Meaning: Delivery of critical information.
Example: The intel drop confirmed the suspect’s last known location.
Use when: Fresh, often classified info arrives.
19. Priority Alert
Meaning: A higher level of urgency than standard alerts.
Example: Dispatch issued a priority alert for the bank robbery.
Use when: Escalated threat or urgent response is needed.
20. Eyes On
Meaning: Direct visual contact or confirmation.
Example: We’ve got eyes on the suspect near 5th Avenue.
Use when: Observation is actively in progress.
21. Hot Sheet
Meaning: A quick-reference list of targets or alerts.
Example: He was listed on today’s hot sheet.
Use when: Officers need quick, field-ready updates.
22. High Alert
Meaning: Maximum readiness level.
Example: The base was on high alert after the breach.
Use when: Top-level awareness and rapid response are required.
23. Notice
Meaning: A formal or informal notification.
Example: We received notice of an unauthorized entry.
Use when: Marking an occurrence without urgency.
24. Clue-In
Meaning: Letting someone in on vital info.
Example: Clue him in about the changed route.
Use when: Casual, internal team updates.
25. On Watch
Meaning: Actively monitoring for a particular issue.
Example: We’re on watch for another cyber attack.
Use when: Keeping guard over time.
26. Tag
Meaning: Identify and track a subject.
Example: We tagged the car using traffic cam footage.
Use when: You need to mark someone/something for later action.
27. Monitor
Meaning: Ongoing observation.
Example: We’ll continue to monitor the suspect’s communications.
Use when: Passive, long-term watching.
28. Trace
Meaning: Track or locate.
Example: They traced the call to a burner phone.
Use when: Digital or physical location is needed.
29. Surveillance
Meaning: Continuous observation of targets.
Example: The house has been under surveillance for weeks.
Use when: Formal or covert monitoring operations.
30. Track Down
Meaning: To find or follow someone until capture or contact.
Example: We’re trying to track down the getaway driver.
Use when: Actively closing in on a lead.
🔍 Choosing the Right “BOLO” Alternative
When selecting a synonym or alternative acronym for “BOLO,” consider the following:
- Urgency Level: “Flash Alert” and “Code Red” imply extreme danger, while “FYI” and “Heads-Up” are more informational.
- Formality: “APB”, “Amber Alert”, and “SITREP” are formal and institutional, while “Clue-In” and “Ping” are informal.
- Scope: “Watchlist” and “Surveillance” imply long-term awareness, while “Eyes On” is real-time.
📘 Conclusion
Whether you’re writing a high-stakes scene in a novel or crafting an alert system in a workplace or app, the right term matters. “BOLO” is direct and urgent, but as you’ve seen, there’s a whole vocabulary of alert-level acronyms and expressions tailored to specific needs and tones.
The key is choosing the one that matches your urgency, audience, and context. With this list of 30 powerful alternatives, you’ll never struggle to sound the alarm—professionally, effectively, and with precision.
