Policing Glossary

My glossary is to help you understand some terms use related to policing. Some of these words can be tricky to use. This glossary is for everyone. It will be helpful to fully understand a conversation between two police officers.

division

noun

A functional division of the Department composed of two or more units commanded by a captain.

Example: Although the cases cited by the trial judge were not directly applicable , the Court of Appeal based its decision on Bokhari v Blessed (1994), Court of Appeal (Civil division) 7 November 1994: 'there is nothing in the section [118] to indicate that the contempt should be in the face of the court.

fr: division

expunge

verb

The sealing or destruction of a criminal record, including records of the investigation, arrest, detention, or conviction of the petitioner.

Example: -

fr: effacer

informant

noun

Any person who furnishes information regarding drug trafficking or performs an investigative activity with a reasonable expectation of confidentiality under the direction and control of a Police officer or supervisor.

Example: It is important to remember that the researcher is usually the unknown outsider for whom the informant.

fr: informateur

pink Sheet

noun

An Emergency Application for Involuntary Commitment Without Certification form completed by a peace officer or Mental Health Officer requesting temporary commitment of a person.

Example: -

fr: feuille rose

rank order

noun

Rank order is the vertical relationship of the ranks of this Department in respect to levels of authority and responsibility.

Example: Rank order - Unemployment rate, table in the CIA World Factbook website. However, Italy's situation remains worse and more stagnant than Australia's, and generally there might be a more negative attitude towards the work environment, including careerism.

fr: ordre de classement

search Warrant

noun

An order in writing, issued by a justice or other magistrate, in the name of the state, directed to a sheriff, constable, or other officer, authorizing him to search for and seize any property that constitutes evidence of the commission of a crime, contraband, the fruits of a crime, or things otherwise criminally possessed; or, property designed or intended for use or which is or has been used as the means of committing a crime. A warrant may be issued upon an affidavit or sworn oral testimony.

Example: -

fr: mandat de perquisition

bail

noun

Large amount of money that someone pays as a promise to appear in court.

Example: In Barry, Code C was breached by the offer of assistance with requesting bail if the suspect complied. (1991) 95 Cr.

fr: caution

night stick

noun

Heavy stick that police use for controlling crowds or defending themselves.

Example: No, we don't carry guns. We only have batons.

fr: matraque

(in) custody

noun

Under police control.

Example: You will be happy to know that we have taken the kidnapper into custody.

fr: en garde à vue

cruiser, squad car

noun

Police car.

Example: Please step out of your vehicle and get into the police cruiser.

fr: voiture de police

DUI, DWI

acronym

Driving after drinking too much alcohol (Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated).

Example: Your record says that you have two previous DUIs.

fr: conduire avec les facultés affaiblies.

do time

verb & noun

Receive punishment for a crime by spending time in jail.

Example: You won't be required to do any time but you will have to pay a fine.

fr: faire de la prison

felony

noun

A major crime (e.g. murder).

Example: Murder is considered a felony and is punishable by life in prison.

fr: crime majeur

misdemeanor

noun

A minor crime (punishment is usually a fine or less than one year in jail).

Example: Stealing a road sign is considered a misdemeanor, but is punishable by a large fine.

fr: délit

fine

noun

Money that a person pays for breaking a law.

Example: You can get charged a large fine for speeding in a school zone.

fr: amende

on patrol (patrol)

verb

Observe and protect an area.

Example: We always patrol the downtown core on the weekends.

fr: en patrouille (patrouille)

witness

noun

To see something happen.

Example: Three people witnessed the murder but they are afraid to speak.

fr: témoin

young offender

noun

A minor who commits a crime (usually under age of 18).

Example: Your punishment will be less severe because you are a young offender.

fr: jeune délinquant

pistol

noun

A hand held firearm.

Example: Our local cops carry pistols but rarely use them.

fr: pistolet

wanted

verb

Being searched for by police.

Example: A man from your hotel is wanted for his involvement in a murder.

fr: recherché

speeding ticket

noun

A fine given to a driver who gets caught driving beyond the speed limit.

Example: Your license shows a clean driving record except for one speeding ticket from five years ago.

fr: amende pour excès de vitesse

street crime

noun

Crime such as drugs and prostitution.

Example: Don't give the beggars any money. You will only be promoting street crime.

fr: crime de rue

pursuit

noun

The act of searching for.

Example: We are in pursuit of a man in a green jacket and orange pants.

fr: poursuite

walkie-talkie

noun

Hand held radio each partner carries.

Example: My partner told me your license plate over his walkie-talkie.

fr: talkie walkie

This glossary was made with the Virtual Writing Tutor glossary maker and grammar checker.