SettingsLaw enforcement terminology
Active shooter
An active shooter is defined as ".
An active shooter is defined as ".
All-points bulletin
An all-points bulletin is a broadcast issued from one US law enforcement agency to another.
An all-points bulletin is a broadcast issued from one US law enforcement agency to another.
Arrest
An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the purported investigation or prevention of crime and presenting to a procedure as part of the criminal j...
An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the purported investigation or prevention of crime and presenting to a procedure as part of the criminal j...
Arrest warrant
An arrest warrant is a warrant issued by and on behalf of the state, which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.
An arrest warrant is a warrant issued by and on behalf of the state, which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.
Blue Code of Silence
The Blue Code of Silence is an unwritten rule among police officers not to report on another colleague's errors, misconducts or crimes.
The Blue Code of Silence is an unwritten rule among police officers not to report on another colleague's errors, misconducts or crimes.
Bounty (reward)
A bounty is a payment or reward often offered by a group as an incentive for the accomplishment of a task by someone usually not associated with the group.
A bounty is a payment or reward often offered by a group as an incentive for the accomplishment of a task by someone usually not associated with the group.
Cleanskin (security)
Within the vernacular of counter-terrorism agents and police officers, a cleanskin is an undercover operative whose identity is not known to the forces he or she is tasked to infiltrate.
Within the vernacular of counter-terrorism agents and police officers, a cleanskin is an undercover operative whose identity is not known to the forces he or she is tasked to infiltrate.
Clearance rate
In criminal justice, clearance rate is calculated by dividing the number of crimes that are "cleared" (a charge being laid) by the total number of crimes recorded.
In criminal justice, clearance rate is calculated by dividing the number of crimes that are "cleared" (a charge being laid) by the total number of crimes recorded.
Cold case (criminology)
Cold case refers to a scene of a crime or an accident that has not yet been solved to the full and is not the subject of a recent criminal investigation, but for which new information could emer...
Cold case refers to a scene of a crime or an accident that has not yet been solved to the full and is not the subject of a recent criminal investigation, but for which new information could emer...
Contagious shooting
A contagious shooting is a sociological phenomenon observed in military and police personnel in which one person firing on a target can induce others to begin shooting.
A contagious shooting is a sociological phenomenon observed in military and police personnel in which one person firing on a target can induce others to begin shooting.
Contempt of cop
Contempt of cop is law enforcement jargon in the United States for behavior by citizens towards law enforcement officers that the officers perceive as disrespectful or insufficiently deferen...
Contempt of cop is law enforcement jargon in the United States for behavior by citizens towards law enforcement officers that the officers perceive as disrespectful or insufficiently deferen...
Covert policing in the United Kingdom
Covert policing is a term in the United Kingdom to describe the practice of policing that is hidden to the public, usually employed in order that an officer can gather intelligence and approach ...
Covert policing is a term in the United Kingdom to describe the practice of policing that is hidden to the public, usually employed in order that an officer can gather intelligence and approach ...
Crime Information Center
A Crime Information Center is a data warehouse and search engine operated by a staff of detectives that assists in providing relevant and timely information to officers conducting an investigation.
A Crime Information Center is a data warehouse and search engine operated by a staff of detectives that assists in providing relevant and timely information to officers conducting an investigation.
Criminal record
A criminal record is a record of a person's criminal history, generally used by potential employers, lenders etc.
A criminal record is a record of a person's criminal history, generally used by potential employers, lenders etc.
Crisis negotiation
Crisis negotiation is a technique for law enforcement to communicate with people who are threatening violence, including barricaded subjects, hostage takers, stalkers, threats, workplace violenc...
Crisis negotiation is a technique for law enforcement to communicate with people who are threatening violence, including barricaded subjects, hostage takers, stalkers, threats, workplace violenc...
Death in custody
Death in custody is when a person dies when in the custody of the police, prison service or other authorities.
Death in custody is when a person dies when in the custody of the police, prison service or other authorities.
Detention of a suspect
The detention of suspects is the process of keeping a person who has been arrested in a police-cell, remand prison or other detention centre before trial or sentencing.
The detention of suspects is the process of keeping a person who has been arrested in a police-cell, remand prison or other detention centre before trial or sentencing.
Dump job
A dump job is a type of homicide in which the body of the victim is transported to another location and abandoned.
A dump job is a type of homicide in which the body of the victim is transported to another location and abandoned.
Enforcement discretion
Selective enforcement is the ability that executors of the law (such as police officers or administrative agencies, in some cases) have to select those against whom they want to enforce the law.
Selective enforcement is the ability that executors of the law (such as police officers or administrative agencies, in some cases) have to select those against whom they want to enforce the law.
False arrest
False arrest is a common law tort, where a plaintiff alleges they were held in custody without probable cause, or without an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
False arrest is a common law tort, where a plaintiff alleges they were held in custody without probable cause, or without an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
False evidence
False evidence, fabricate evidence, forge evidence or taint evidence is information created or obtained illegally, to sway the verdict in a court case.
False evidence, fabricate evidence, forge evidence or taint evidence is information created or obtained illegally, to sway the verdict in a court case.
Falsified evidence
Falsified evidence, forged evidence or tainted evidence is information that has been created or obtained illegally, to sway the verdict in a court case.
Falsified evidence, forged evidence or tainted evidence is information that has been created or obtained illegally, to sway the verdict in a court case.
Flying while Muslim
Racial profiling refers to the use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement (e.g.
Racial profiling refers to the use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement (e.g.
Frameup
A frame-up or setup is an American term referring to the act of framing someone, that is, providing false evidence or false testimony in order to falsely prove someone guilty of a ...
A frame-up or setup is an American term referring to the act of framing someone, that is, providing false evidence or false testimony in order to falsely prove someone guilty of a ...
Fugitive
A fugitive (or runaway) is a person who is fleeing from custody, whether it be from private slavery, a government arrest, government or non-government questioning, vigilante violence, or o...
A fugitive (or runaway) is a person who is fleeing from custody, whether it be from private slavery, a government arrest, government or non-government questioning, vigilante violence, or o...
IC codes
IC codes are shorthand terms used by the British police in radio communications to describe the apparent ethnicity of a suspect.
IC codes are shorthand terms used by the British police in radio communications to describe the apparent ethnicity of a suspect.
Informant
An informant is a person who provides privileged information about a person or organization to an agency.
An informant is a person who provides privileged information about a person or organization to an agency.
Internal affairs (law enforcement)
The internal affairs (United States terminology) division of a law enforcement agency investigates incidents and plausible suspicions of lawbreaking and professional misconduct attributed to off...
The internal affairs (United States terminology) division of a law enforcement agency investigates incidents and plausible suspicions of lawbreaking and professional misconduct attributed to off...
Jumper (suicide)
A jumper, in police and media parlance, is a person who dies by suicide by jumping from a height, or people who have jumped, then survived, often with major injuries and permanent disabilities.
A jumper, in police and media parlance, is a person who dies by suicide by jumping from a height, or people who have jumped, then survived, often with major injuries and permanent disabilities.
Law enforcement jargon
Law enforcement jargon refers to a large body of acronyms, abbreviations, codes and slang used by law enforcement personnel to provide quick concise descriptions of people, places, property and ...
Law enforcement jargon refers to a large body of acronyms, abbreviations, codes and slang used by law enforcement personnel to provide quick concise descriptions of people, places, property and ...
Legal observer
Legal observers are individuals, usually representatives of civilian human rights agencies, who attend public demonstrations, protests and other activities where there is a potential for conflic...
Legal observers are individuals, usually representatives of civilian human rights agencies, who attend public demonstrations, protests and other activities where there is a potential for conflic...
Legal professional privilege in Australia
In Australia, legal professional privilege (also referred to as client-legal privilege) is a rule of law protecting communications between legal practitioners and their clients from disclo...
In Australia, legal professional privilege (also referred to as client-legal privilege) is a rule of law protecting communications between legal practitioners and their clients from disclo...
Legwork
Legwork, in law enforcement slang, is the work necessary to solve a case.
Legwork, in law enforcement slang, is the work necessary to solve a case.
Major Case Squad
The Major Case Squad is a division within some police departments.
The Major Case Squad is a division within some police departments.
Manhunt (law enforcement)
In law enforcement, a manhunt is a search for a dangerous fugitive involving the use of all available police units and technology and sometimes help from the public.
In law enforcement, a manhunt is a search for a dangerous fugitive involving the use of all available police units and technology and sometimes help from the public.
Mesirah
Mesirah is a proscribed action under Rabbinic Law, encompassing a disputed range of instances in which one Jew reports the conduct of another Jew to a non-Rabbinic forum or government, even when...
Mesirah is a proscribed action under Rabbinic Law, encompassing a disputed range of instances in which one Jew reports the conduct of another Jew to a non-Rabbinic forum or government, even when...
Missing person
A missing person is a person who has disappeared for usually unknown reasons.
A missing person is a person who has disappeared for usually unknown reasons.
Murder book
In law enforcement parlance, the term murder book refers to the case file of a murder investigation.
In law enforcement parlance, the term murder book refers to the case file of a murder investigation.
Nightwalker Statute
Nightwalker Statutes were English statutes, in the era before modern policing, allowing or requiring night watchmen to arrest those found on the city streets and hold them until morning.
Nightwalker Statutes were English statutes, in the era before modern policing, allowing or requiring night watchmen to arrest those found on the city streets and hold them until morning.
Nightwalker statute
Nightwalker statutes were English statutes, in the era before modern policing, allowing or requiring night watchmen to arrest those found on the city streets and hold them until morning.
Nightwalker statutes were English statutes, in the era before modern policing, allowing or requiring night watchmen to arrest those found on the city streets and hold them until morning.
No-knock warrant
In the US, a no knock warrant is a warrant issued by a judge that allows law enforcement officers to conduct a paramilitary assault on a property without immediate prior notification of the resi...
In the US, a no knock warrant is a warrant issued by a judge that allows law enforcement officers to conduct a paramilitary assault on a property without immediate prior notification of the resi...
Pleading the Fifth
In American criminal law, "pleading the Fifth", also known as "taking the Fifth" or "demanding the Fifth", is the act of refusing to testify under oath in a court of law or any other...
In American criminal law, "pleading the Fifth", also known as "taking the Fifth" or "demanding the Fifth", is the act of refusing to testify under oath in a court of law or any other...
Police code
A police code is a number abbreviation for a crime, incident or instructions for police officers.
A police code is a number abbreviation for a crime, incident or instructions for police officers.
Police voucher
A police voucher is a grant of a certain amount of taxpayer-provided funds to individual citizens (or groups of citizens), to be used to purchase private police services from one or more vendors...
A police voucher is a grant of a certain amount of taxpayer-provided funds to individual citizens (or groups of citizens), to be used to purchase private police services from one or more vendors...
Pre-dawn raid
A pre-dawn raid refers to a military tactic that involves a group of people, usually military personnel, raiding a location in order to gain an upper hand in combat, retrieve an important docume...
A pre-dawn raid refers to a military tactic that involves a group of people, usually military personnel, raiding a location in order to gain an upper hand in combat, retrieve an important docume...
Prime suspect
A prime suspect is the person who is considered by the law enforcement agency investigating a crime to be the most likely suspect.
A prime suspect is the person who is considered by the law enforcement agency investigating a crime to be the most likely suspect.
Racial profiling
Racial profiling refers to the use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement (e.g.
Racial profiling refers to the use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement (e.g.
Remand (detention)
The remand or detention of a suspect is the process of keeping a person who has been arrested in custody, a remand prison, or on provisional bail before trial or sentencing.
The remand or detention of a suspect is the process of keeping a person who has been arrested in custody, a remand prison, or on provisional bail before trial or sentencing.
Resisting unlawful arrest
Resisting unlawful arrest is a possible justification for breaking the law.
Resisting unlawful arrest is a possible justification for breaking the law.
Ride-along
A ride-along is an arrangement for a civilian to spend a shift in the passenger seat of a police car, observing the work day of a police officer, Firefighter, or Paramedic.
A ride-along is an arrangement for a civilian to spend a shift in the passenger seat of a police car, observing the work day of a police officer, Firefighter, or Paramedic.
Right to silence
The right to remain silent is a legal right of any person.
The right to remain silent is a legal right of any person.
Safe house
In law enforcement jargon and intelligence jargon, a safe house is a secure location, suitable for hiding witnesses, agents or other persons perceived as being in danger.
In law enforcement jargon and intelligence jargon, a safe house is a secure location, suitable for hiding witnesses, agents or other persons perceived as being in danger.
Search warrant
A search warrant is a court order issued by a Magistrate, judge or Supreme Court Official that authorizes law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a person or location for evidence of a c...
A search warrant is a court order issued by a Magistrate, judge or Supreme Court Official that authorizes law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a person or location for evidence of a c...
Selective enforcement
Selective enforcement is the ability that executors of the law (such as police officers or administrative agencies, in some cases) have to arbitrarily select choice individuals as being outside ...
Selective enforcement is the ability that executors of the law (such as police officers or administrative agencies, in some cases) have to arbitrarily select choice individuals as being outside ...
Self-incrimination
Self-incrimination is the act of accusing oneself of a crime for which a person can then be prosecuted.
Self-incrimination is the act of accusing oneself of a crime for which a person can then be prosecuted.
Sneak and peek warrant
A sneak and peek search warrant (also called a covert entry search warrant or a surreptitious entry search warrant) is a search warrant authorizing the law enforcement officers execu...
A sneak and peek search warrant (also called a covert entry search warrant or a surreptitious entry search warrant) is a search warrant authorizing the law enforcement officers execu...
Suicide by cop
Suicide by cop is a suicide method in which a suicidal individual deliberately acts in a threatening way, with the goal of provoking a lethal response from a law enforcement officer or other arm...
Suicide by cop is a suicide method in which a suicidal individual deliberately acts in a threatening way, with the goal of provoking a lethal response from a law enforcement officer or other arm...
Supergrass (informer)
Supergrass is a slang term for an informer, which originated in London.
Supergrass is a slang term for an informer, which originated in London.
Suspect
In the parlance of criminal justice, a suspect is a known person suspected of committing a crime.
In the parlance of criminal justice, a suspect is a known person suspected of committing a crime.
Ten-code
Ten-codes, also known as ten signals, are code words used to represent common phrases in voice communication, particularly by law enforcement and in Citizens' Band (CB) radio transmissions.
Ten-codes, also known as ten signals, are code words used to represent common phrases in voice communication, particularly by law enforcement and in Citizens' Band (CB) radio transmissions.
Testilying
Testilying (a portmanteau of "testify" and "lying") is a United States police slang term for the practice of giving false testimony against a defendant in a criminal trial.
Testilying (a portmanteau of "testify" and "lying") is a United States police slang term for the practice of giving false testimony against a defendant in a criminal trial.
Undercover
Being undercover is disguising one's own identity or using an assumed identity for the purposes of gaining the trust of an individual or organization to learn secret information or to gain the t...
Being undercover is disguising one's own identity or using an assumed identity for the purposes of gaining the trust of an individual or organization to learn secret information or to gain the t...
Use of force continuum
A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security officers with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation.
A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security officers with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation.
Vetting
Vetting is a process of examination and evaluation, generally referring to performing a background check on someone before offering him or her employment, conferring an award, etc.
Vetting is a process of examination and evaluation, generally referring to performing a background check on someone before offering him or her employment, conferring an award, etc.
Wanted poster
A wanted poster is a poster distributed to let the public know of an alleged criminal whom authorities wish to apprehend.
A wanted poster is a poster distributed to let the public know of an alleged criminal whom authorities wish to apprehend.
Warrant (law)
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would vi...
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would vi...