Inspector Sands


If you are ever on the London Underground and you hear a strange, obviously pre-recorded voice saying something along the lines of "Inspector Sands, please go to the operations room immediately", then be aware: what you are actually hearing is a coded message indicating to station staff that a fire alarm has been set off in one part of the station, but without panicking the stupid, sheep-like passengers. Many large public buildings such as stadia and theatres have similar messages, although the precise meaning of this one seems to depend on who you listen to.

Laurie Voss is a developer, writer, and recovering npm co-founder. Writing about technology and what it means for humans since 2001.

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