My name is Emmanuelle Labrecque. I am currently studying at CEGEP to become a police officer. I have been in the Police Technology program for one year, and I have two more years to go before entering Nicolet. This glossary is for my English teacher, Nicholas Walker, and it focuses on policing vocabulary. It is a great way to learn different words related to my field and to help me interact properly with people. My glossary contains 20 interesting police terms. Resources like Wikipedia and Wikimedia were used to create this glossary, and the words were found in Mr. Nicholas Walker's Actively Engaged online book.
Alibi
noun
The defense by an accused person of having been elsewhere at the time an alleged offense was committed.
Example: Fortunately for him, his arrest gives him the perfect alibi.
fr: Alibi
Autopsy
noun
Inspection and dissection of a body after death, as for determination of the cause of death.
Example: An autopsy concluded Hernandez wasn’t physically abused before her death.
fr: Autopsie
Clue
noun
Anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem.
Example: It is up to Aurora to piece together the clues and solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.
fr: Indice
Corruption
noun
Perversion of integrity.
Example: The film is about a young police officer and his struggle to expose corruption in the force.
fr: Corruption
Delinquency
noun
Wrongful, illegal, or antisocial behavior.
Example: The financial distress indicated by this high rate of delinquency is undermining both the physical and mental health of young adults.
fr: Délinquance
Detective
noun
A member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.
Example: Then, the two paramedics and two city police officers and a detective walked into the room.
fr: Détective
Evidence
noun
Data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.
Example: The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.
fr: Preuve
Fine
noun
An amount of money that has to be paid as a punishment for not obeying a rule or law.
Example: I've just had to pay 10$ for a parking fine.
fr: Amende
Handcuff
noun
A ring-shaped metal device that can be locked around a person's wrist, usually one of a pair connected by a short chain or linked bar.
Example: The police put handcuffs on the suspect.
fr: Menotte
Hostage
noun
Someone who is taken as a prisoner by an enemy in order to force the other people involved to do what the enemy wants.
Example: The terrorists have seized 20 hostages and are threatening to kill one a day unless their demands are met.
fr: Otage
Investigation
noun
The act or process of examining a crime, problem, statement, etc.
Example: A lengthy police investigation failed to produce any evidence on which the suspect could be convicted.
fr: Enquête
Judge
noun
A public officer authorized to hear and decide cases in a court of law.
Example: The judge will pronounce sentence on the defendant this afternoon.
fr: Juge
Killer
noun
Someone who kills another person.
Example: Police are still hoping to find the dead woman's killer.
fr: Tueur
Patrol
Verb
To go around an area or a building to see if there is any trouble or danger.
Example: The whole town is patrolled by police because of the possibility of riots.
fr: Patrouiller
Pepper spray
noun
An aerosol spray that temporarily irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, used to stun and incapacitate a person or animal.
Example: Police use of pepper spray to control rioters.
fr: Spray au poivre
Robbery
noun
The felonious taking of someone's property from their person or in their immediate presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation.
Example: The contractor turned out to have a criminal record, including convictions for armed robbery and drug offenses, according to the report.
fr: Vol
Suspect
Noun
A person who is suspected, especially one suspected of a crime, offense, or the like.
Example: After the shooting, a suspect was seen leaving the area in a silver SUV, possibly a Nissan Rogue.
fr: Suspect
Thief
noun
A person who steals, especially secretly or without open force.
Example: The thief might have stolen the bike.
fr: Voleur
Weapon
noun
Any instrument or device for use in attack or defense in combat, fighting, or war.
Example: He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faced 15 years prison time.
fr: Arme
Witness
noun
A person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.
Example: The mother, Emily Kruse, was charged with obstructing justice and intimidating a witness.