red ball

[K13]

Can anyone explain the phrase "red ball".

It appears in an American book about police procedure. If a detective picks up a case that is politically or racially sensitive it is referred to as a "red ball"?

[Buenchico]

See here for a couple of theories:
http://members.tripod.com/~Homicide_LOTS/faq/f aq3_1.html#about

Chris

[alavahalf]

The term...''Red Ball''.... is a phrase used to describe express freight in the railroad industry...

A red ball case... is as you say...a case that requires as many resources as possible to be thrown at it...no expense spared..!

[K13]

Thank you both for that information.

I picked up the term from David Simon's "Homicide: A year on the Killing Streets".

An excellent read but the occasional slang gets included without explanation.

[bluebirdino]

ive also read the book and enjoyed it , but became lost in the banter and slang . if you google the book title ,plus slang , all will be explained by wikipedia.