Roleplay BOLO System: Alerts & Notifications
Learn about the BOLO system in roleplay - creating BOLOs, person and vehicle BOLOs, real-time alerts, BOLO management, resolution tracking, and notifications with CDE CAD.
The Be On the Lookout system is one of the most dynamic features in any CAD system, creating real-time communication between officers across your entire roleplay server. When a suspect flees, a vehicle is reported stolen, or a missing person needs to be found, a BOLO alert ensures every on-duty officer has the information they need to assist. CDE CAD's BOLO system provides instant notification delivery, structured BOLO creation, and comprehensive management tools that keep your law enforcement community coordinated and effective.
Creating Effective BOLOs
A well-crafted BOLO provides officers with enough information to identify and respond to the subject or vehicle of interest. CDE CAD's BOLO creation form guides officers through structured fields that ensure comprehensive information capture. Every BOLO includes a type classification, priority level, detailed description, last known location, and the reason for the lookout. The structured format ensures consistency across all BOLOs while allowing officers to add free-text details specific to the situation at hand.
The system supports multiple BOLO types to categorize different kinds of lookout requests. Wanted person BOLOs include physical descriptions, known associates, and danger level indicators. Stolen vehicle BOLOs capture vehicle details, plate numbers, and circumstances of the theft. Missing person BOLOs include last seen information, clothing descriptions, and medical needs. Each type has tailored fields that prompt the creating officer to include the most relevant information for that category.
BOLOs created in CDE CAD are automatically linked to existing records when applicable. If you create a BOLO for a person already in the system, it links to their profile, giving officers who encounter the subject instant access to their complete history. Vehicle BOLOs link to registration records, showing ownership information and any previous law enforcement interactions. This cross-referencing provides context that helps officers make informed decisions during encounters.
Real-Time Alert Notifications
Instant MDT Alerts
BOLOs appear instantly on every on-duty officer's MDT with visual and audio notification indicators that demand attention.
Priority Indicators
High-priority BOLOs receive enhanced visual treatment ensuring they stand out from routine lookout requests for immediate attention.
Lookup Integration
Active BOLOs appear automatically when officers run matching names or plates, providing instant alerts during routine checks.
Discord Webhooks
BOLOs can be automatically posted to Discord channels, keeping off-duty officers informed and extending reach beyond active MDT users.
BOLO Management and Dashboard
The BOLO dashboard provides a centralized view of all active lookout requests. Officers logging on duty can review the dashboard to catch up on BOLOs issued during previous shifts. The dashboard supports filtering by type, priority, date, and status, making it easy to find relevant BOLOs quickly. Active BOLOs are prominently displayed while resolved BOLOs are archived but remain accessible for reference.
BOLO management also includes editing capabilities for updates. As new information becomes available about a subject or vehicle, the creating officer or a supervisor can update the BOLO with additional details. Updates trigger new notifications to on-duty officers, ensuring everyone has the latest information. This living document approach means BOLOs evolve with the situation rather than becoming stale static records.
"The BOLO system is the digital equivalent of every officer in the department instantly knowing what you know. When a suspect is on the run, that instant communication can make the difference between apprehension and escape."
Resolution Tracking and History
BOLOs are not permanent fixtures - they need to be resolved when the situation changes. CDE CAD tracks BOLO resolutions with detailed logging of how and when each BOLO was cleared. Common resolutions include subject located and arrested, vehicle recovered, missing person found, or BOLO cancelled by issuing authority. Each resolution is documented with the resolving officer's information, resolution notes, and timestamp.
The resolution tracking system links BOLO outcomes to related records. When a BOLO results in an arrest, the BOLO record links to the arrest report. When a stolen vehicle is recovered, it links to the recovery report. This interconnection creates a complete narrative from initial alert to resolution, supporting investigations and demonstrating the effectiveness of the BOLO system in your community.
Person and Vehicle BOLO Types
CDE CAD distinguishes between person BOLOs and vehicle BOLOs with tailored fields for each type. Person BOLOs capture physical characteristics including height, weight, build, hair color, eye color, distinguishing marks, and last known clothing. Vehicle BOLOs include make, model, year, color, plate number, and any vehicle modifications or damage. These specific fields help officers quickly identify subjects and vehicles during patrol encounters and improve the chances of successful resolution.
The system also supports combined BOLOs where both a person and vehicle are associated. A fleeing suspect in a known vehicle generates a single BOLO that includes both the person description and vehicle details, giving officers two identifiers to watch for during patrol. This comprehensive approach to BOLO creation ensures officers have maximum information for identification, making your roleplay community's law enforcement operations more effective and realistic.
Enhance Your BOLO Capabilities
Keep your officers informed and coordinated with CDE CAD's professional BOLO alert and management system.