Full formLaw & Legal
APBstands forAll Points Bulletin
Full Form of APB
What is APB?
An All Points Bulletin (APB) is a broadcast issued by law enforcement agencies to alert other officers, departments, or jurisdictions about a wanted person, vehicle, or critical incident. In India, APBs are frequently used by state police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and other federal agencies to coordinate searches, especially in cross-border or multi-state cases. The term originates from the United States but is widely adopted in Indian policing, appearing in official communications, police radio transmissions, and internal bulletins. When a suspect flees from one state to another, an APB is circulated to all police stations, checkposts, and railway and airport security units. It is also used for missing persons or stolen property. For competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or state police recruitment, understanding police terminology including APB is beneficial. The APB system in India now often integrates with digital platforms like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to speed up dissemination. While the term is informal, it is standard in operational contexts and media reports covering police investigations.
APB का फुल फॉर्म
सर्व बिंदु सूचना
Example
After the bank robbery in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Police issued an APB across all neighbouring states for the getaway vehicle.
APB — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of APB?
The full form of APB is All Points Bulletin, a broadcast issued by law enforcement to alert multiple agencies about a wanted person or situation.
How is APB used in Indian police investigations?
In India, an APB is issued by police to instantly notify all stations and units about a suspect, missing person, or vehicle, often during high-priority cases like robberies or kidnappings.
What is the difference between APB and LOC in criminal tracking?
An APB is a fast, informal broadcast for immediate lookout, while a Look Out Circular (LOC) is a formal alert issued by immigration authorities to prevent a person from leaving the country.