My name is Audrey-Anne Hébert, I’ve been in the Police Technology’s program for 1 year. By doing a glossary, my goal is to help people in my field of study so that they learn more about the profession of police officer. My glossary will contain 20 words and definitions related to policing.
alibi
noun
A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, especially a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.
Example: Quickly ticked off the list of suspects, when her ALIBI proves convincing to the police.
en: Alibi
crime scene
noun
A crime scene is any physical scene, anywhere, that may provide potential evidence to an investigator. It may include a person's body, any type of building, vehicles, places in the open air or objects found at those locations.
Example: After an initial search by police, the crime scene was left unguarded and open to the elements for two days before it was scrutinized properly.
en: scène de crime
criminal code
noun
A document which compiles all of a particular jurisdiction’s criminal law.
Example: The Canadian Draft CRIMINAL CODE proposed that the maximum penalty for an assister with mere knowledge should not exceed half the maximum term provided for the perpetrator.
en: Code criminel
declaration
noun
An explicit, formal announcement, either oral or written.
Example: As a police officer, my job is to listen to people's declaration.
en: Déclaration
evidence
noun
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Example: An investigation is “to be pursued” when the evidence suggests that it will be possible to identify the perpetrator(s) of the crime.
en: preuve
hostage
noun
A person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition.
Example: Three hostages were released but only after their families paid an estimated $200,000 to the guerrillas.
en: Otage
indict
verb
Formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime.
Example: His former manager was indicted for fraud.
en: Accusé
Miranda warning
noun
A warning given by police to criminal suspects in police custody, informing them of their right to silence.
Example: For Miranda warnings requirement to apply, two things must be present: the suspect must be I police custody and subject to police interrogation.
en: Droits Miranda
motive
noun
A reason which urges somebody to commit this crime.
Example: Police are trying to determine if the victim may have known the suspect and what the motive is for the shooting.
en: Motif
oath
noun
A solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior.
Example: They took an oath of allegiance to the king.
en: Serment
plea of guilty
noun
A statement by an alleged offender that they have committed the offence with which they are charged.
Example: The trial judge may expunge the guilty plea on the grounds that it was invalid.
en: Plaidoyer de culpabilité
prosecution
noun
The institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge.
Example: The prosecution alleged that he lured the officer to his death by making an emergency call.
en: Poursuite
release
verb
Allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free.
Example: An official confirmed the prisoners would be released
en: Libérer
remand
noun
To place (a defendant) on bail or in custody, especially when a trial is adjourned.
Example: He was held on remand until a trial early next years.
en: Détention préventive
shadowing
verb
Action to follow and to observe secretly the movements, the actions of one or several individuals.
Example: Police shadowed the suspect for several days.
en: Filature
suspect
noun
A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense.
Example: A DNA fingerprint maybe used to identify a SUSPECT for conviction, to exclude a SUSPECT 8 or to identify a victim.
en: Suspect
victim
noun
A person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.
Example: Contributory negligence will only succeed if the VICTIM's conduct negligently contributed to the losses for which damages are to be awarded.
en: Victime
warrant
noun
A document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some others body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice.
Example: Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.
en: Mandat
weapon
noun
Something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy.
Example: The youths were dragged from their car and searched for weapons.
en: arme
witness
noun
A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
Example: Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.
