Police Dictionary

Police work, like any profession, has its own jargon and set of terms and there is sometimes a problem in translating these words from what they appear to be saying to what they really mean. In police recruit training, the novice is taught literally hundreds of these words and catch phrases which are used in all reports. By using this guide, you will be able to decipher the TRUE meaning of some of the most commonly used terms and phrases...

While on routine patrol

I was in the car because the coffee shop was closed.

The motorist was operating his vehicle in a reckless manner

He had a bumper sticker that said "SLOW DOWN -- DON'T FEED THE PIGS."

The accident scene and the safety of the victims prevented this officer from doing traffic control

It was raining.

This officer went "out of service" to obtain intelligence information from a street informant

It was too hot to ride in the car.

I observed the suspect acting in a suspicious manner

The dirtbag let go with an 'Oink' as I walked by.

Knowing the suspect had a criminal history

He puked on my uniform one night.

The informant is of known credibility and has provided reliable information in the past

I've got two theft cases hanging over his head.

While being arrested, the subject resisted, being injured in the act

He ripped my shirt and broke my new mirrored sunglasses.

The motorist was cited for multiple traffic violations

I wrote him one citation for each swear word he used.

Upon announcing my title and purpose I heard a voice from inside the house say 'Come in' so I entered through the door

The rock music was so loud they wouldn't have heard Patton's army so I kicked in the door.

The members of the press at the scene were offered every courtesy within departmental policies

I sent them to a non existent address which I called the 'Command Post.'

I gave the motorist a verbal warning for speeding

She was a good looking blonde who owned a liquor store and was free after my shift was over.

The Chief appeared at the scene and took command

I sent him to the same address as the reporters.

Further interview of the witnesses was impossible, due to conditions beyond my control

Tonight is my bowling night.