This glossary is for gathering terms and definitions about police work more easily.
burglary
noun
The unlawful entry or remaining in a structure (such as a house, building, or vessel) with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft or a felony.
Example: In Samuel , access to legal advice was refused prior to several interviews, one in which the defendant confessed to BURGLARY.
fr: cambriolage
charge
verb
A formal allegation of wrongdoing, such as being "charged with theft".
Example: He was charged with a crime he did not commit.
fr: inculper
domestic dispute
noun
A pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse
Example: She decided to speak out about her experience with domestic abuse to help others recognize the warning signs and seek support.
fr: querelle de ménage
fine
noun
Money paid as punishment for breaking a rule or law.
Example: He was given a fine for speeding.
fr: amende
frisk
verb
A quick pat-down search of a person’s outer clothing to check for concealed weapons or dangerous contraband.
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/frisk
Example: The security guard asked the man to step aside for a frisk.
fr: fouiller
hate crime
noun
A traditional criminal offence (such as assault, mischief, arson, or vandalism) committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the perpetrator’s bias, prejudice, or hate against an identifiable group.
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes
Example: A passenger on the train shouted, “I hate gays,” and threatened to beat a same-sex couple holding hands, which is a clear example of a hate crime.
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/stophate/downloads/pdf/OPHC-WhatIsAHateCrime.pdf
fr: crime haineux
highway Safety Code
noun
The Highway Safety Code is a law of Québec. It governs, among other things, the use of vehicles, pedestrian traffic and road safety in Québec.
https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/saaq/documents/laws-regulations/highway-safety-code
Example: According to the Highway Safety Code, cyclists must come to a complete stop at red lights, just like motor vehicles.
fr: Code de la sécurité routière
loitering
noun
Loitering is the act of lingering, standing, or waiting around aimlessly in a public or private place without a clear, lawful purpose. It often involves hanging around a location—such as a business entrance, park, or private property—without conducting business, which can be legally deemed a nuisance or suspicious activity in some jurisdictions.
Example: The security guard asked the teenagers to stop loitering near the store entrance.
fr: flânage
manslaughter
noun
The unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought or the specific intent to kill.
Example: In constructive MANSLAUGHTER the defendant must commit an unlawful act that exposes the victim to some risk.
fr: homicide involontaire
restraining order
noun
A restraining order (or protection order) is a court-ordered, legally binding document designed to protect an individual from harassment, stalking, or abuse by a partner or family member. It typically requires the respondent to stay a specific distance away from the applicant, their home, and workplace, and prohibits contact.
Example: After repeated incidents of harassment, she decided to file for a restraining order to ensure her safety.
fr: injonction d’éloignement
riot
noun
A form of civil disorder characterized by a violent, noisy, and uncontrolled public disturbance caused by a crowd of people, often involving acts of vandalism, destruction of property, and fighting.
Example: This is the view portrayed by the media after the Trafalgar square RIOT. The crowd becomes irrational and itself develops from a group into a RIOT.
fr: émeute
runaway
noun
A person, often a child or teenager, who leaves home without permission or escapes a restrictive situation.
Example: The anecdote of the sister looking for her RUNAWAY brother does not sound credible today.
fr: fugueur/fugueuse
shoplifting
noun
The theft of goods from a retail store during business hours without paying for them.
Example: The store installed new security cameras after several incidents of shoplifting last month.
fr: vol à l’étalage
statement
noun
A formal, definite declaration or communication, either spoken or written, that presents facts, opinions, or information.
Example: The Police approached her in order to gather her statement.
fr: déclaration
testify
verb
To make a solemn statement or declaration, typically under oath in a court of law, to establish a fact or provide evidence.
Example: It is possible that this may extend to the police taking this as an opportunity "to browbeat, cajole or wheedle the witness to change his evidence or, failing that, not to TESTIFY for the defence".
