What is the meaning of CODE 5 in police terminology?

In police terminology, CODE 5 signifies surveillance or the act of monitoring a situation without being directly involved or actively engaging with the subjects of that surveillance. This can involve officers discreetly observing a location or individuals related to a specific incident or ongoing investigation to gather information or evidence. The use of CODE 5 helps ensure that officers can maintain a low profile to avoid alerting the subjects being observed, thereby increasing the likelihood of gathering useful intelligence.

The other choices represent different functions or activities in law enforcement but do not capture the essence of CODE 5. Follow-up investigation refers to the continuation of an inquiry after an initial incident, which is a more direct engagement with the case. A meal break denotes a time for officers to take a pause in their duties, while an audible alarm indicates a security alert related to a possible incident, neither of which aligns with the observation-focused nature of CODE 5. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication and operational efficiency within police procedures.