20 This glossary about Police Technology provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts related to the tools, equipment, and systems used by law enforcement agencies. It includes terms related to surveillance technology, communication system terms
arrest warrant
noun
A legal document issued by a judge that allows police to arrest a person.
Example: With the warrant in hand, officers went to his home and arrested him early the next morning, charging him with theft and breaking and entering.
en: mandat d'arrestation
automated license plate recognition
noun
A system that uses cameras and software to automatically read and store vehicle license plate numbers. This technology helps law enforcement agencies track vehicles, identify stolen cars, and monitor traffic patterns for security and law enforcement purposes.
Example: Using Automated License Plate Recognition, the police were able to quickly identify a stolen vehicle as it passed through a checkpoint, leading to the apprehension of the suspect.
en: reconnaissance automatique des plaques d'immatriculation
bail
noun
Money or property that a defendant gives to a court to guarantee their appearance at trial.
Example: The suspect was granted bail, but had to pay 5000$ to be released from jail while awaiting trial.
en: caution
body-worn camera
noun
A small video camera worn by police officers to record interactions with the public, often used for transparency, evidence collection, and accountability.
Example: During the traffic stop, the officer's body-worn camera recorded the entire interaction, providing evidence for the investigation.
en: caméra portée sur le corps
crime scene
noun
The location where a crime has been committed, which is typically secured by law enforcement to preserve evidence.
Example: The detectives spent hours collecting evidence at the crime scene, including fingerprints and blood samples.
en: scène de crime
cybersecurity
noun
The protection of computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, damage, or theft. In law enforcement, cybersecurity measures are implemented to prevent cybercrimes such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud, ensuring the safety and integrity of sensitive information.
Example: Following a series of online threats, the police department upgraded its cybersecurity protocols to better protect their digital records and prevent unauthorized access to confidential data.
en: cybersécurité
digital evidence
noun
Any data stored or transmitted in digital form that can be used in criminal investigations. It includes information from computers, mobile phones, servers, emails, text messages, and any other electronic devices.
Example: During the investigation, the detectives uncovered crucial digital evidence from the suspect's smartphone, which included text messages and GPS data linking him to the crime scene.
en: preuve numérique
dispatcher
noun
The person who receives emergency calls and sends officers to the scene of a crime or incident.
Example: The dispatcher received the 911 call and immediately sent patrol units to the location.
en: dispatcher
drones
noun
Remote-controlled or autonomously operated aircraft without a pilot on board. In law enforcement, drones are used for surveillance, crowd control, search and rescue missions, and gathering aerial footage during investigations or emergencies.
Example: During the search for a missing person, the police used drones, helping them locate the individual more quickly.
en: drones
fingerprint
noun
A mark made by the ridges of a person’s finger, often used as evidence to identify individuals involved in a crime.
Example: The police found a fingerprint on the window, which helped them identify the suspect.
en: empreinte digitale
flashbang
noun
A non-lethal explosive device used by law enforcement to disorient and temporarily incapacitate suspects during high-risk operations, such as hostage rescues or arrests.
Example: A flashbang was deployed to distract the suspects and give officers the opportunity to safely enter the building.
en: grenade assourdissante
interrogation
noun
The process of questioning a suspect or witness by law enforcement officers to gather information, clarify details, or obtain a confession related to a crime.
Example: After the suspect was arrested for burglary, the detective conducted an interrogation to ask him about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
en: interrogatoire
lineup
noun
A procedure in which a witness is shown a group of individuals to identify the perpetrator of a crime.
Example: The victim of the robbery was asked to participate in a lineup at the police station. After viewing the group of individuals, she pointed to one man, saying he was the person who had threatened her during the robbery.
en: parade d'identification
miranda rights
noun
The rights read to a suspect at the time of arrest, informing them of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney.
Example: The officer read the suspect his Miranda rights before questioning him.
en: droits miranda
patrol vehicle
noun
A police vehicle used for patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and transporting officers and detainees. It is often equipped with various law enforcement tools, such as radios, lights, sirens, and sometimes computers.
Example: The officer arrived at the scene in his patrol vehicule, immediately assessing the situation and calling for backup.
en: véhicule de patrouille
prosecutor
noun
A prosecutor is a legal professional who represents the government in criminal cases, responsible for bringing charges against the accused and presenting evidence in court to prove their guilt.
Example: The prosecutor works with law enforcement to gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimonies, and physical evidence from the crime scene.
en: prosecuteur
search warrant
noun
A legal document authorized by a judge that allows law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence of a crime.
Example: The police received a search warrant from the judge to search the suspect’s home for stolen electronics.
en: mandat de perquisition
stingray
noun
A surveillance tool used by law enforcement to track and intercept mobile phone signals. It works by mimicking a cell tower, causing nearby cell phones to connect to it, allowing authorities to pinpoint the phone's location and gather data. It is often used in criminal investigations to track suspects or gather intelligence.
Example: During the investigation, the police deployed a Stingray to track the suspect's phone signal, leading them directly to his location for a successful arrest.
en: système de surveillance téléphonique
taser
noun
A conducted energy weapon used by law enforcement that delivers an electric shock to temporarily incapacitate a person. The device is designed to immobilize a suspect by interfering with their neuromuscular system, causing temporary paralysis and reducing the risk of injury compared to using lethal force.
Example: During the altercation, the officer used a taser to safely subdue the suspect who was attempting to flee and resist arrest.
en: taser
undercover operation
noun
A law enforcement tactic where officers disguise their identity to infiltrate criminal organizations or gather intelligence on illegal activities.
Example: The officer successfully completed the undercover operation, gathering crucial evidence that led to the dismantling of a local drug trafficking ring.
