Police Slang for Criminal

Unveiling Police Slang for Criminal

Key Takeaways

Decoding the Lingo: Police Slang for Criminals

Law enforcement professionals often develop a unique set of slang terms to communicate efficiently and discreetly. In the world of policing, understanding the slang used for criminals provides insight into the complex and fast-paced nature of police work. Let’s dive into some commonly used terms:

Perp (Perpetrator)

The quintessential term for a suspect or criminal. Derived from “perpetrator,” it’s a go-to term for referring to an individual believed to have committed a crime.

Collar

When a police officer makes an arrest, they might say they’ve made a “collar.” It’s a way of indicating a successful apprehension of a suspect.

10-7 (Out of Service)

While not specific to criminals, “10-7” is police code for “out of service” or “off-duty.” When officers mention this term, it could imply they are no longer actively engaged in law enforcement duties.

10-96 (Mental Subject)

In some cases, the term “10-96” might be used to discreetly refer to a mentally unstable or potentially dangerous individual. It allows officers to communicate without disclosing sensitive information over the radio.

Five-O

A classic slang term, “Five-O” is often used to refer to the police. Its origin is debated, but it may have roots in the television show “Hawaii Five-O.” When police are discussing potential encounters with law enforcement, they might use “Five-O” to signal their presence.

B and E (Breaking and Entering)

A shortcut for the crime of breaking and entering, “B and E” is commonly used by officers to quickly reference this type of criminal activity.

Hot Sheet

Referring to a list of wanted individuals or a document containing information about suspects currently sought by law enforcement, a “hot sheet” is a tool that helps officers stay updated on the status of ongoing investigations.

Real-Life Scenarios

Let’s explore how these terms might be used in real-life scenarios:

Scenario 1: Radio Communication

Officer Smith reports on a possible suspect.

Officer Smith: Dispatch, we’ve got a possible 10-96 at the corner of Elm and Main. Requesting backup.
Dispatch: Copy that, Officer Smith. Backup en route.

Translation:

• Officer Smith: Dispatch, we’ve got a potentially unstable individual at the corner of Elm and Main. Requesting backup.
• Dispatch: Copy that, Officer Smith. Backup en route.

Scenario 2: Arrest Update

Two officers discuss an arrest and uses the police slang for criminal.

Officer Jones: Just made a collar on the B and E suspect.
Officer Brown: Good work, Jones. Heading back to the station.

Translation:

• Officer Jones: Just made an arrest on the Breaking and Entering suspect.
• Officer Brown: Good work, Jones. Heading back to the station.

Further Insights into Police Slang

Book ’em

Derived from the iconic phrase “Book ’em, Danno” from the television series “Hawaii Five-O,” this slang term is used when an officer formally charges a suspect and prepares to take them into custody. It emphasizes the finality of the legal process beginning for the accused.

The Joint

While “joint” typically refers to a place, in police slang, it’s often used to denote a correctional facility or prison. When an officer mentions taking someone to “the joint,” it means the individual is headed to incarceration.

Code Blue

In medical contexts, “Code Blue” usually signals a life-threatening emergency. In police slang, it can refer to an urgent situation or a call for immediate assistance. Officers might use this term to convey the severity of a particular incident without disclosing sensitive details.

Walk the Line

This phrase, borrowed from the Johnny Cash song, is used when officers observe a suspect exhibiting behavior that suggests intoxication, often associated with walking unsteadily. It implies a potential violation of sobriety or drug-related laws.

Bear in the Air

When law enforcement spots a helicopter or aircraft monitoring an area from above, they might use the term “bear in the air.” It’s a discreet way to communicate the presence of aerial surveillance during an operation.

Conclusion

Police slang for criminals adds a layer of efficiency and confidentiality to law enforcement communication. While some terms may seem cryptic to outsiders, they play a crucial role in facilitating quick and clear exchanges among officers. Understanding these police slang for criminals terms provides a glimpse into the unique language of law enforcement.

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