Hello, my name is Colin and I study in Police Tech! In this comprehensive glossary you will be able to learn about the realm of law enforcement and the multifaceted discipline of police science. Here, you'll gain insights into the essence of policing, exploring the roles and qualities inherent to the profession.
Ballistics
Noun
The study of the motion, behavior, and effects of projectiles, often used in forensic investigations to analyze firearms-related evidence.
Example: His team includes a mapping expert and a specialist in ballistics.
en: balistique
Cold Case
adjective and noun
An unsolved criminal investigation that remains open for an extended period, often years or decades, with few leads or new evidence.
Example: Today many police departments have cold case units.
en: Affaire classée
Crime Analyst
Noun
A specialist who uses data and statistical analysis to identify patterns, trends, and hotspots in criminal activity to assist law enforcement in allocating resources and developing strategies.
Example: The crime analyst had photos of the suspect.
en: analyste de la criminalité
Detective
noun
A specialized police officer trained in investigating and solving crimes, often through gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing information.
Example: The detective meticulously sifted through the evidence, piecing together clues to unravel the mystery surrounding the case.
en: Détective
Dispatcher
Noun
A trained individual responsible for receiving emergency calls, dispatching officers to incidents, and coordinating law enforcement responses.
Example: Mrs. Henderson was on the phone with the police, trying to get past the dispatcher.
en: Répartiteur
Domestic Violence
Noun
Any pattern of abusive behavior used by one intimate partner against another to gain or maintain power and control, often involving physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
Example: We need to learn the lessons from every domestic violence homicide.
en: Violence conjugale
Evidence
Noun
Any material or information used to establish facts in a legal investigation or proceeding.
Example: The jury had a great deal of evidence to sort through before reaching a verdict.
en: Preuve
Forensic Science
Adjective and noun
The application of scientific techniques and principles to investigate crimes and analyze evidence.
Example: Modern forensic science is also featured, with an example of a scene of crime kit used by the police.
en: science médico-légale
Fugitive
Noun
A person who is fleeing from law enforcement to avoid arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment.
Example: The fugitive was arrested as he stepped off a plane in London.
en: Fugitif
Gun
Noun
a weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are propelled by explosive force, typically making a characteristic loud, sharp noise.
Example: The suspect had a gun
en: Fusil
K-9 Unit
Noun
A division within law enforcement that utilizes specially trained dogs to assist in various tasks such as tracking suspects, detecting narcotics, and searching for missing persons.
Example: The Winnipeg Police Service K-9 unit is great.
en: Unité canine
Mugshot
Noun
A photograph taken by law enforcement of an individual's face and profile, typically following arrest, to create a visual record for identification purposes.
Example: He calls up an arrest mugshot from the database.
en: Photo d'identification
Police
Noun
the civil force of a national or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
Example: The police are investigating a murder.
en: Police
Polygraph Test
Noun
Also known as a lie detector test, a procedure used by law enforcement to measure physiological responses (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration) while asking a subject questions to determine truthfulness.
Example: He was full of contradictions, failed a polygraph test and changed his story a number of times.
en: Détecteur de mensonges
Search Warrant
Noun
A legal document authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime.
Example: He made an application to a magistrate for a search warrant, and it was granted.
en: Mandat de recherche
Suspect
noun
A person believed by law enforcement to have committed a crime or be involved in criminal activity.
Example: Police have arrested a suspect in a series of killings and sexual assaults in the city.
en: suspect
SWAT Team
Noun
Special Weapons and Tactics team, a specialized law enforcement unit trained to handle high-risk situations such as hostage rescues, barricaded suspects, and counterterrorism operations.
Example: The police officer had to call the swat team
en: GTI
Taser
Noun
A non-lethal weapon that uses electrical currents to incapacitate individuals temporarily, often employed by law enforcement as an alternative to firearms in situations where less lethal force is needed.
Example: There is a significant risk of ignition if a Taser is used near a subject sprayed with CS or PAVA incapacitant spray.
en: Taser
Uniform
Noun
the distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body or by children attending certain schools.
Example: He pulled off his uniform shirt and put the t-shirt on.
en: Uniforme
Witness
Noun
Someone who has observed an event relevant to a criminal investigation and can provide testimony about it.
Example: There must be two witnesses present when she signs the document.
