LAPD Lingo: Understanding 'Shop' in Police Vehicle Terminology

As a acronym or term of art in law enforcement, 'shop' can carry significant meaning, especially within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). This article delves into the historical and practical usage of the term 'shop' within the LAPD, focusing on inventory control and operational terminology.

Introduction to LAPD Vehicle Inventory Control

In the LAPD, every patrol vehicle is not just a piece of equipment, but an important asset with a dedicated identifier. This unique identifier is known as the 'shop number', a term derived from the vehicle's inventory control record managed by the Motor Transport Division.

Shop Numbers and Their Usage

A 'Shop Number' is a unique identification number assigned to each vehicle. This number is crucial for tracking, maintenance, and assignment purposes. When the garage communicates with the Kit Room Officer (KRO), the term 'Shop Number' is often used to ensure that specific vehicles are not issued at the wrong time. For example:

"Hey don’t issue Shop Numbers 87435 and 88219, they are due for their A or B checks."

This ensures that the vehicles scheduled for maintenance are not in service, keeping the force operational in a well-maintained and safe state.

Field Usage and Recognition

In the field, officers also use the term 'Shop' to refer to specific vehicles. This usage is reflected in various forms of communication. For instance, air support units communicate with ground units using unique identifiers associated with 'shops':

The helicopter overhead uses that to call out, 'Hey Rampart 02 Shop 351 go to the end of the alley and hold there. The suspect is hiding behind the green trash cans off to your left!'

This form of communication is critical in ensuring that the correct vehicle is brought to the scene of a suspect's location.

Evolution of 'Shop' Terminology

The term 'shop' has evolved over time. Initially, it referred to the specific numerical identifier written on the door of the patrol car, serving as a unique identifier for the vehicle. Over time, the term has become more colloquial, often simplified to just 'Shop' when referring to a specific patrol car:

"Can’t speak for all officers. My ‘shop’..."

This progressive usage reflects the operational efficiency and language simplification in a fast-paced and dynamic environment like the LAPD.

Conclusion

The use of 'shop' in the context of LAPD patrol vehicles is an integral part of their operations. From inventory control to field communication, the term serves multiple critical functions. Understanding 'shop' not only enriches the discourse around LAPD operations but also provides insight into the evolution of law enforcement terminology.