Police glossary

20 glossary about the policeman job or the police in general terms

This glossary is made for people who want to learn more about the policeman job and what does these first responders do.

armed and dangerous
adjectives
is carrying a weapon and has a violent background
Example: Do not approach the thief if you see him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
en: armé et dangereux
arrest
verb
take into police control
Example: My partner arrested the man who set fire to the building
en: arrêter
assailant
noun
person who assaults or attacks
Example: Did you see the assailant run away?
en: assaillant
back-up
noun
police that are called in to support or help
Example: We're calling for back-up now that we know she has a gun.
en: renfort
bail
noun
large amount of money that someone pays as a promise to appear in cour
Example: Your husband's bail is posted at $20,000.
en: caution
baton, night stick
nouns
heavy stick that police use for controlling crowds or defending themselves
Example: No, we don't carry guns. We only have batons.
en: matraque
break into
verb
enter a residence, car, or business illegally
Example: Do you have any idea who would have broken into your car?
en: entré par effraction
Burglar
noun
A person who commits burglary
Example: We think the burglar got in through this window.
en: Voleur
cell
noun
individual room in a jail or prison
Example: This murderer is now in a cell.
en: cellule
cop
noun
police officer (common slang)
Example: Did somebody here call the cops?
en: flic
cruiser
noun
police car
Example: Please step out of your vehicle and get into the police cruiser.
en: voiture de patrouille
detective
noun
police officer responsible for solving crime
Example: This detective is about to find out who commit this murder
en: détective
felony
noun
major crime
Example: Murder is considered a felony and is punishable by life in prison.
en: crime
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.
en: amende
firearms
noun
weapons that shoot
Example: It is illegal to carry unregistered firearms such as rifles and pistols.
en: armes à feu
gang
noun
a group of people often associated with crime and drugs
Example: Stay away from this area at night as there is a lot of gang activity.
en: la bande
guilty
adjective
responsible for a crime, deserving of punishment
Example: You will be considered innocent until you are proven guilty.
en: coupable
handcuffs
noun
metal rings that attach to wrists to keep criminals (or the accused) 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
innocent
adjective
not responsible for the crime
Example: We'll believe you are innocent when you show us your receipt for the items in the bag.
en: innocent
intruder
noun
a person who enters a home or business illegally
Example: Someone called to report an intruder on the third floor.
en: intrus