Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Police boxes started to appear in 1880. “Modern” police boxes, like the one in Doctor Who started to appear in 1920. A police box was a telephone for the use of members of the police. Police boxes were before two-way radios. Police boxes have a telephone that is linked directly to the local police station, allowing officers to keep in contact with the station, reporting anything unusual, requesting help, or to detain prisoners until a vehicle could be sent. This was a time when the officers walked or rode bicycles rather than use a car. There is light on the top of the box, which would flash to alert an officer that he should contact the station. Members of the public could also use the phone, which was on the outside of the box, to call for help.
Text fits
Save
Cancel