Police Technology is a program that future police student will need to attend over a course of three years to then be eligible to enter the police academy and become a police officer in the province of Quebec. The purpose of this glossary is to make you learn more about the policing vocabulary that is used in this field of study.
back-up
noun
Police that are called to support or help.
Example: We're calling for back-up now that we know she has a gun.
en: aide ou support
bail
noun
Large amount of money that someone pays as a promise to appear in court.
Example: Your husband's bail is posted at $20,000.
en: caution
court
noun
A tribunal presided over by a judge, judges, or a magistrate in civil and criminal cases.
Example: She will take the matter to court.
en: tribunal
crime
noun
An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law.
Example: Stealing from someone is a serious crime.
en: crime
criminal
noun
A person who has committed a crime.
Example: These men are dangerous criminals.
en: criminel
cruiser
noun
A police car.
Example: Please step out of your vehicle and get into the police cruiser.
en: auto de patrouille
district
noun
A division of a geographical area patrolled by a police force.
Example: In which district are you patrolling today.
en: quartier
DUI
noun
Driving after drinking too much alcohol (Driving Under the Influence).
Example: Your record says that you have two previous DUI.
en: conduire en état d'ébriété
evidence
noun
Something that furnishes proof.
Example: We found an evidence at the crime scene that could help us solve the crime.
en: évidence
felony
noun
A major crime.
Example: Murder is considered a felony and is punishable by life in prison.
en: crime majeur
fingerprints
noun
An impression or mark made on a surface by a person's fingertip, especially as used for identifying individuals from the unique pattern of whorls and lines.
Example: The police had his fingerprints on file.
en: empreintes
firearms
noun
Weapons that shoot.
Example: It is illegal to carry unregistered firearms such as riffles and pistols.
en: armes à feu
handcuffs
noun
Metal rings that attach to wrists to keep criminals from escaping.
Example: We put your boyfriend in handcuffs because we saw him climbing through your window and thought he was an intruder.
en: menottes
in custody
noun
Under police control.
Example: You will be happy to know that we have taken the kidnapper into custody.
en: en garde à vue
intruder
noun
A person who enters a home or business illegally.
Example: Someone called to report an intruder on the third floor.
law enforcement
noun
The department of people who enforce laws, investigate crimes, and make arrests.
Example: Law enforcement officials in the area were alerted of the suspect's escape.
en: forces de l'ordre
minor
noun
A person under the age of full legal responsibility.
Example: The court would take account of the minor's wishes.
en: mineur
patrol
verb
An expedition to keep watching over an area, especially by guards or police walking or driving around at regular intervals.
Example: We were ordered to investigate on a night patrol.
en: patrouille
radar
noun
Radio waves transmission that helps police track cars and map crime scenes.
Example: According to our radar you were driving well-above the speed limit.
en: radar
witness
verb
To see something happen.
Example: Three people witnessed the murder, but they are afraid to speak.
