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40 Police Terms, Acronyms, and Slang

Cops and bad guys often speak in unique language, and without a translator citizens sometimes feel left out of the conversation. To help you understand and to incorporate that special language into works of fiction, here are a few terms worth remembering and maybe inserting into a tale or two.

AB: Member of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang.

ALPR: Automated license plate recognition system.

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*Credit – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

ASP: Trade name for an expandable baton used by law enforcement officers. See ASP.

ATL: Attempt to locate – a directive to find a missing or wanted person.

BAC: The blood alcohol content of a person. Had a couple of drinks? Click here to check your BAC.

Basketweave: An embossed design stamped into leather duty belts, handcuff cases, etc.

Beater: Vehicle in less than desirable condition. “Is Warren still driving that same old beater?”

Big Key: Battering ram used to break down doors.

2023 Writers’ Police Academy attendees have the opportunity to use a battering ram during the class “Forced Entry – The Search For, And Capture, Of An Armed Suspect.” As an added bonus, explosive devices are used during this  exciting session; therefore, participants may be required to wear protective gear during this thrilling hands-on exercise.

BOLO: Be on the look out. (NOT APB!). “I’ve issued a BOLO for the missing person/stolen vehicle/suspect.”

Bronx Roll/California Stop: Failure to stop completely at a stop sign. Driver slowly rolls past a stop sign into an intersection to continue traveling.

CompStat: A numbers-driven management tool to track crimes and police activity. Wilmington Delaware Comsat Reports and Mapping (includes data from 2023).

Dog Worthy: K-9 officer’s assessment of a scene as to whether they believe it would be worthwhile to have their dog to conduct a search, or not. “I’m sorry Sergeant, but with the presence of the enormous amount of spilled diesel fuel on the ground, I don’t believe the area is dog worthy.”

DV: Domestic violence.

Dusted: Under the influence of PCP.

Street names for PCP include Angel Dust, Boat, Crystal, Embalming Fluid, Hog, Ozone, Rocket Fuel, Shermans, Supergrass, Tic Tac, Wack, Zoom. To learn more about PCP, click here.

EDP: Emotionally disturbed person.

Eyeball: to view or observe something/someone.

Flip a Sign: Hand signs used as a means of communication between criminals.

FOP: Fraternal Order of Police. The learn about the FOP, click here.

Get Small: To get away/escape/disappear.

Good For It: Have sufficient probable cause for arrest. “Yeah, Fred, with the DNA, fingerprints, and that he had the murder weapon in his pocket, I think he’s good for it.”

HGN: Horizontal gaze nystagmus, a physiological sign intoxication.

Hit & Split: Leave the scene of a vehicle crash.

Hit the Bricks: To begin a patrol shift/depart the police station. “Okay, folks, it’s time to hit the bricks,” said Sergeant Ima N. Charge at the conclusion of the evening briefing.

Hobble: A nylon cord with snap hooks on one or both ends, used to secure the feet and legs of a combative suspect. Click here to see the RIPP™ HOBBLE device.

In the Wind: Flee on foot, escape custody, disappear. “We lost him, Lieutenant. He’s in the wind.”

OIC: Officer in Charge.

OIS: Officer-involved shooting.

Overheads: Emergency lights on the roof of a police car/vehicle. “Jenkins, you forgot to switch off your overheads after your last traffic stop. Weren’t you suspicious when everyone pulled over when you got behind them?” 

PC: The minimum standard of evidence required to make an arrest.

Peerless: A popular brand of handcuffs used by law enforcement, manufactured and sold by the Peerless Handcuff Company.

Player: Suspect.

Rabbit: To run from police/the act of running. “Watch him, Sally. He’ll rabbit at the drop of hat.”

Run Code: Responding to a location with emergency lights and siren activated. “Unit 4561, robbery in progress at 666 Manson Lane. Run code.”

Sam Browne Belt: Law enforcement officer’s equipment/duty belt that holds holster, handcuffs, radio/ pepper spray, baton, and other equipment. Click here to view the Sam Browne Belt.

Slim Jim: A blade-like tool used to open vehicle doors without a key.

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Slim Jim

 

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Notches used for “hooking” the lock rod and other mechanisms

Tw read more about Slim Jims, here’s a link to a previous blog article:

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK: COPS, SLIM JIMS, AND SAVING BABIES

SO: Sheriff’s office.

Did You Know?

Sheriffs and sheriff’s deputies in the state of Delaware are NOT authorized to make arrests in criminal cases. They do not have police powers.

SRO: School resource officer

Tweaker: Habitual user of methamphetamine

VICAP: Violent Criminal Apprehension Program

Click the links below to learn more about VICAP.

FBI Violent Criminal Apprehension Program Career Information

FBI Most Wanted – VICAP

2023 Writers’ Police Academy (WPA) registration is scheduled to open February 1, 2023. In the meantime, please visit us at www.writerspoliceacademy.com to view the schedule of events, a complete list of classes and instructor bios and photos, hotel information, the special Thursday afternoon session—Touch a Truck and Ask the Experts, and other details.

Reserve Your Room Early!

Hilton Appleton Hotel Paper Valley
333 W College Ave, Appleton, Wi. 54911

For reservations, call 1-800-774-1500 and Ask for the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel and the Writers Police Academy Block.

Click here for Online Reservations

The event begins at noon on Thursday June 8, 2023. It is highly recommended that you reserve your room from Wednesday June 7 – Sunday June 11 to take full advantage of the exciting activities.

Questions? Please contact Lee Lofland at lofland32@msn.com

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Fingerprinting: A Journey From O-R

Especially for you, an O-R guide to fingerprinting … and more.

Oil Gland– Unlike eccrine and apocrine glands, which are sweat glands, the sebaceous gland is considered an oil gland.

Oligodactyly– Having less than the ordinary number of fingers or toes.

Orthodactyly– Fingers and toes cannot be flexed.

Ortho-Tolidine– A dual-purpose chemical that works both as a presumptive test for blood and has also been used to develop fingerprint detail on human skin.

Osborn Grid Method– Superimposing a grid on photographic enlargements of latent prints found at a crime scene as well as the inked fingerprints of a suspect(s). Scientist then painstakingly examine both, square by square looking for matching individualities.

Os calcis– A bone in the foot.

Osmium Tetroxide (Osmic Acid Fuming)– A fuming technique used to process items for latent fingerprints. Due to excessive costs and dangers associated with the product, it is now rarely used, if ever.

P.

PBFE– Probability Based Fingerprint Evidence.

Papillary Ridges– Rows of eccrine glands situated along the trail of fingerprint

friction ridges.

Patent Print– Fingerprints that are visible without development. (Latent prints are typically invisible to the naked eye).

Pathology– The study of causes, nature, and effects of diseases, trauma, and other abnormalities, and the changes to the body created by them.

Pattern Formations– Details of fingerprints created as early as the third month of gestation.

Pelmatoscopy– The scientific studies of the friction ridges of the soles of feet.

Pen Pack/Penitentiary Packet– A pen pack is the comprehensive imprisonment record of an inmate that’s supplied by the Department of Corrections. When fingerprints are included in the pen pack, and they are indeed typically found there, they’re used for comparison purposes. Other information found in pen packs are terms of confinement, background intelligence, and other similar details.

Perceptual Set – The tendency to see what we expect to see.

Phalange– Any bone in the fingers or toes.

Phalangeal– Of the bones in the fingers and toes.

Physical Developer– Chemical processing technique to develop latent prints on porous items. The technique was developed in the 1970s to develop fingerprints on porous items.

Pincushion Method– AKA the Constellation Method.  This outdated technique was used in the first half of the 20th century to compare prints and to confirm an identification. Investigators pushed pins through each of the ridge characteristics of both latent (prints discovered at a crime scene) and known prints (prints of a known suspect). They then compared the holes (from the reverse sides). If the holes on the latent print matched those of the suspect’s print, well, they had their man, or woman.

If you happen to have a copy of the April 1956 edition of Fingerprint and Identification Magazine, you could read more on the topic since it was featured in the issue.

Plastic Print– Fingerprint left in a malleable substance, such as clay or wax.

Points/ Points of Identification– Fingerprint ridge characteristics.

R.

RAM– Combination of Rhodamine 6G, Ardrox and MBD dyes. The mixture fluoresces when exposed to a special alternate light source, which in turn makes it possible to see prints developed using cyanoacrylate (Superglue) fumes.

RUVIS– Reflective Ultra-Violet imaging system that allows visualization of fingerprint detail in an ultraviolet spectrum. (see below for details and a video)

Redwop ™– A fluorescent fingerprint powder.

Rubber Lifter– A sheet of flexible rubber with adhesive on one side. Rubber lifters are used to “lift” latent prints.

Ruthenium Tetroxide (RTX)– Chemical used to enhance/see fingerprint detail on fabrics and other porous material such as some stones, leather, glass, tape, wood, plastics, and even human skin and wet surfaces.

RUVIS

RUVIS (Reflective Ultraviolet Imaging System), a system of locating latent (invisible) fingerprints) without the use of powders, fumes, or chemicals, was developed by Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories and the U.S. Army. The system focuses on one specific section of shortwave ultraviolet light, the germicidal spectrum of light, which cannot be seen by the naked eye.

A particularly unique feature of RUVIS technology is that it works in both total darkness and in bright sunshine, a must for use by police investigators.

The Krimesite Imager uses RUVIS technology to detect invisible residues from fingerprints. Those residues reflect UV light projected from the device, which immediately captures the reflections with a 60mm UV lens. A built-in scanner then converts the images to visible light, allowing the investigator to see the fingerprint. All this is done instantly, in real time. And, the detective is able to see images from up to fifteen feet away.

Once the print is located, the investigator uses the Imager to photograph it and, with the use of a micro-printer, print a copy of the desired evidence. All this without the messy powders that never seem to wash away. The KS Imager can also be used to greatly enhance prints developed using cyanoacrylate fuming (Super Glue).

Note – I doubt many of you will be picking up one of these devices for your home CSI kit. The price tag is between $9,000 and $22,000, depending the style of devise selected.

 

Here’s a video shot at the Sirchie compound near Raleigh, N.C. It shows the Krimesite Imager in action.

Those of you attending the Writers’ Police Academy, take note, because you are in for a surprise! Yes, space is available! By the way, the event is open to all (writers, readers, fans, and anyone else who’s interested in participating in a thrilling, hands-on training event) And, it is FUN!.

In the meantime …

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Fingerprinting: A Journey From J-N

Especially for you, a J-N guide to fingerprinting … and more.

J.

JFI – Journal of Forensic Identification.

JFS – Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Joint – Hinged area where two bones are joined together.

K.

Keratinocyte – The major cell found in the epidermis.

Keratins – Highly insoluble fibrous proteins found in skin-related structures such as hair, wool, hooves and horns, claws, beaks, and even feathers.

L.

Latent Print – Friction ridge detail (fingerprint) that is not readily seen by the naked eye.

Law of Biological Uniqueness– Scientific Law stating that all items in nature are unique.

Leuco Rhodamine 6G – Reagent that reacts with the heme moiety of the hemoglobin of red cells in blood. It’s used to enhance and visualize fingerprints left in blood.

Leucocrystal Violet – A colorless form of gentian violet used to stain blood residue on both porous and nonporous items.

Lift– An adhesive or other vehicle used to transfer a friction ridge imprint (a fingerprint) from a surface.

Lights Out – Computer process where the AFIS computer automatically obtains friction skin features, searches the AFIS system, and presents an identification or exclusion based on a predermined score. No human is involved in this process.

Liquid Nitrogen – In its liquid state (-195 degree C), liquid nitrogen is ideal for the separation of adhesive surfaces.

Liqui-drox – A fluorescent yellow solution used to develop prints on both sides of dark-colored adhesive tapes.

Locard’s Principle of Exchange – Edmond Locard’s Principle of Exchange states that when any two objects come into contact, there is always transference of material from each object onto the other. (People entering a crime scene both leave and take away evidence, in some form).

Loupe – A small magnifying glass used in the identification and comparison of fingerprints.

Luminol – Chemical that glows with a bluish tint when it comes into contact with blood. it can detect blood at 1 part per million. It’s so sensitive, in fact, that one drop of blood within a container of 999,999 drops of water, will cause luminol to glow.

M.

MC’s – Major Case Prints.

MMD – Multimetal Deposition, a two step process using a colloidal gold and a physical developer solution to enhance latent prints.

5-MTN – Methylthioninhydrin, a reagent that reacts with amino acids to develop prints on porous items.

Medial Interphalangeal Flexion Crease – The middle crease on a finger.

Metacarpo-phalangeal Crease – Creases where the fingers meet the palm.

Microburst Method – Developed by the FBI, this method of developing prints is designed to expose a nonporous item to a large amount of Cyanoacrylate (Superglue) fumes for a small amount of time. The Superglue is positioned into a chamber heated to temperatures above 300 degrees. The item to be printed is then placed in the chamber for 30-45 seconds.

Minutiae – Small details.

Molybdenum Disulfide – Chemical used to prepare Small Particle Reagent (SPR). SPR is a means to develop latent fingermarks on wet, non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, metals and even the sticky sides of tape.

N.

NCFS – National Commission on Forensic Science.

NCIC – National Crime Information Center. To learn more about NCIC, click here.

NFB – National Fingerprint Board of England and Wales.

NV – Abbreviation for “No Value,” meaning a print has no value for identification purposes.

Stay tuned for exciting Writers’ Police Academy news. In the meantime, space is available so please hurry. Sign up today. This year is absolutely incredible!!

 

 

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Fingerprinting: “E” Before “I” in This Handy Guide

Especially for you, an E-I guide to fingerprinting … and more.

E.

Epidermis– Outer layer of the skin.

Epithelial Cells– Cells that line and protect the surfaces of the body. These cells form epithelial tissues such as skin and mucous membranes.

Exemplar– Fingerprints of an individual, whose identity is known or claimed, and is

deliberately recorded.

F.

FER– Fluorescence Excitation Radiometry.

FFS– Fellow of The Fingerprint Society.

Final– Numerical value typically derived from the ridge count of the right little finger.

Fingerprint Powders– Powders used to develop and visualize friction ridge detail.

The Flak-Conley Classification System– A fingerprint classification system developed in 1906, in New Jersey.

Flats– An unofficial term for the intentional recording/fingerprinting of the four fingers of either hand, taken simultaneously

Fluorescein– Fluorescent reagent used to enhance develop bloody friction ridge detail.

Folien– A gel used to lift and preserve latent fingerprints.

Friction Ridge– The raised portion of skin found on the palmar and plantar skin.

Identical twins do not share the same fingerprints.

G.

GYRO– The color-coded system of documenting the level of confidence that a fingerprint examiner assigns to various print details observed during the examination and comparison of prints. GYRO is an acronym for Green / Yellow / Red / Orange.

  • Green is used to note ridge details observed with high confidence levels.
  • Yellow = medium confidence levels (detail with negligible alteration).
  • Red = a great deal of uncertainty (details of great distortion).
  • Orange notes ridge details discovered after the initial examination.

Gentian Violet (akaCrystal Violet) – a violet stain used to develop and/or enrich friction ridge detail. Crystal Violet dyes the fats and oils found in sebaceous sweat. This stain is typically used to develop prints on the adhesive side of tape.

Grip Print– Prints left behind after a person “grips” an object. The entire print typically includes the side of the index finger, the inner side of the interdigital areas, the web area, and the inner side of the thumb.

H.

Hallux– Big toe.

Huffing/The Hot Breath Technique– Breathing on a latent print introduces humidity into an older (latent/invisible) fingerprint. Doing so helps the investigator visualize it.

Hungarian Red– A red stain used to develop bloody friction ridge detail.

Hyperdactyly– Having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.

Hyperhidrosis– Medical condition that increases perspiration.

Hypohidrosis– Medical condition that reduces sweating.

I.

IAFIS– Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

Image Reversal– An Image Reversal typically occurs in unintentional transferred prints (placing evidence seized in one case on top of evidence from another, such as plastic bags containing narcotics).

FYI Writers – When friction ridges from a latent print are reversed (planting a fingerprint at a crime scene, or accidentally) they tend to appear very thin and thready. Also, the background area surrounding the “new” print may not match the surface of the place where the transferred print was left. The background pattern could/would transfer along with the print. It’s also important to note that these prints are obvious mirror images and would be easily recognized by a skilled examiner.

 

Immigration Delay Disease (IDD)– A rare congenital absence of fingerprints. To learn more, click here.

Iodine– As either a vapor or solution, this substance helps to visualize friction ridge detail by binding with fats and oils.

 

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Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog … and Fingerprinting, from A-D 

Especially for you, an A-D guide to fingerprinting … and more.

A-Naphaflavone– chemical used in fixing Iodine processed friction ridge detail.

AFIS– Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

ALPS– Automated Latent Print System.

ALS– Alternate Light Source.

APIS– Automated Palmprint Identification System.

Acid Fuchsin– Reddish protein stain used to enhance bloody friction ridge detail. Also known as Hungarian Red.

Acid Yellow 7– A fluorescent dye stain used to develop latent prints left in blood on nonporous surfaces.

Adermatoglyphia– An extremely rare genetic lack of fingerprints.

Alternate Black Powder– Developed by the FBI in the 1990’s. this powder is used as an inexpensive, yet quite successful means of developing ridge detail on adhesive surfaces and/or various types of tapes.

Amici Curiae– Latin for “friend of the court.”

Anhidrosis– A medical condition that decreases or eliminates the capability of the body to sweat.

Ardrox– Fluorescent yellow dye used with UV light to see cyanoacrylate-fumed (Superglue) friction ridge detail.

Battley Classification System– Classification system for single fingerprints. The system was used in the 1930’s.

Benzidine– Benzidine, a carcinogen, was once considered as the best technique for developing bloody latent prints on nonporous items. However, due to serious health concerns, it is no longer used.

Bifurcation– Point where one friction ridge divides into two friction ridges.

Boiling Technique – Method to re-hydrate the friction skin of a deceased person. This is exactly how it sounds. To rehydrate friction skin, investigators bring water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and then submerge the hand of the deceased in the hot liquid for five seconds. The hand is then removed and dried. The skin should now be successfully hydrated to the point where it’s possible to capture a readable print. If not, the process is repeated.

In the caldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt, and toe of frog

  Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder’s fork, and a … dead man’s hand?

 

Bracelet Creases– These are the creases/wrinkles located at the base of the palm, where the hand meets the arm. This is typically the spot where friction ridges end.

CA or CAE– Cyanoacrylate (Superglue). An adhesive that, when heated, its fumes develop friction ridge detail.

Cadmium Chloride– A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed fingerprints.

Calcar Area– Area at the heel of the foot.

Cheiloscopy– The study of lip prints.

Chiroscopy– Examination of the hand.

Clandestine– Kept or done in secret.

Cluster Prints– A grouping of more than one print.

Collins Classification System– Classification system for fingerprints used by Scotland Yard in the early 1900’s.

Colloidal Gold– Reagent that reacts with amino acids to develop ridge detail.

Comparator– A split image screen used to view and compare fingerprints.

Core– The center/middle of a fingerprint pattern.

Diaminobenzidine– Reagent used to spot and develop bloody friction ridge detail. Also known as DAB.

DPR, or Dermatopathia Pigmentosa Reticularis – a genetic disorder that’s handed down through the female side of the family. DPR is caused by a specific gene that mutates during embryonic growth. The result of the mutation is a lack of ridge detail and sweat glands.

Dactylography– Study of fingerprints as a method of identification.

Dactyloscopy– The comparison of fingerprints for identification.

Degloving– The unintentional separation of the skin from the hands or feet. This unintentional parting of skin and flesh/bone is often the result of a deceased’s body prolonged soaking in water. The skin that slips from the hands and feet typically slides off in a manner that resembles a glove. However, such slippage of skin may also occur in severe forms of inherited mechano-bullous disorders called epidermolysis bullosa.

Dermatoglyphics– The study of the surface patterns of the skin.

Dragon’s Blood Powder– Fingerprint powder made from the rattan palm resin. Greatly increases the probability of seeing latent prints on light, dark, and colorful surfaces.

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Homicide School: Lesson One – Bloodstain Patterns 101 

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) is the study of the shapes, sizes, and locations of bloodstains. The study also determines how the patterns and stains came to be distributed in the manner in which they’re found.

Here, for your CSI library, are a few terms to help the characters in your books sound as if they’ve attended The Graveyard Shift’s …

Homicide School

So sharpen your pencils, take a sip of coffee, and let’s begin …

Accompanying Drop– small blood droplet produced as a by-product when other drops strike a surface (potions of larger drops).

Altered Stain – bloodstain that changed since its original formation.

Angle of Impact – degree of incline/angle at which a blood drop strikes a surface.

Arterial Spurting Pattern – bloodstain pattern(s) caused as blood streams from the body due to pressure from a severed or punctured artery. Blood squirts from the wound with each beat of the heart.

Backspatter Pattern – a result of blood drops traveling in the opposite direction of the force applied, such as when a person is struck with a blunt object, or when flesh is penetrated by a bullet or other projectile.

Bloodstain – deposit of blood on any surface.

Bloodstain pattern – the grouping of bloodstains/droplets/smears, etc., that indicate the manner in which the blood was deposited.

Bubble Ring – circles, or rings, formed when blood containing air bubbles dries and retains the circular shape of those bubbles.

Cast-off Pattern – a bloodstain pattern that occurs when blood-drops are thrown from a blood-bearing object, such as when a killer repeatedly swings a bloody hammer.

Directionality – indicates the direction blood was moving at the time it struck a surface. The shape of the drops are good indicators of direction of travel.

Draw-Back Effect – blood in the barrel of a firearm that has been pulled/sprayed backward into the muzzle.

Drip Pattern – formed when blood drips into other blood.

Drip Stain – a free-falling drop that formed due to gravity.

Drip Trail – bloodstain pattern formed due to the movement of a source of drip stains (a bleeder, a bloody baseball bat that’s dripping blood, etc.).

Edge Characteristic – features of the perimeter of a bloodstain.

Expiration Pattern – bloodstain pattern caused when blood is forced, by air, from the nose, mouth, or a wound.

Forward Spatter Pattern – pattern formed by blood drops traveling in the same direction as the force that caused the spatter.

Bloodstain pattern investigation workshop – 2017 Writers’ Police Academy ~ RJ Beam, instructor

High Velocity Impact Spatter (HVIS) – pattern caused by a high velocity impact /force such as that produced by a gunshot or machinery—farm equipment, factory motors, gears, and mechanisms, etc.

Impact Pattern – bloodstain pattern caused when an object strikes liquid blood, sending smaller droplets in random directions.

Insect Stain – bloodstain resulting from insect activity.

Low Velocity Impact Spatter (LVIS) – bloodstain pattern caused by a low impact/force to a blood source.

Mist Pattern – pattern formed when blood is reduced to a fine spray of micro-drops due to the force applied.

Bloodstain pattern session …Dexter-style – 2017 Writers’ Police Academy

Parent Stain – bloodstain from which a satellite stain originated.

Point (Area) of Origin — The common point where the trajectories of several blood drops can be traced.

Pool – an accumulation of liquid blood on a surface.

Projected Pattern – pattern produced when blood is released under pressure, such as arterial bleeding.

Satellite Stain – smaller droplets that surround a parent stain as a result of blood striking a surface.

Saturation Stain – the accumulation of liquid blood in an absorbent material, such as bed linen or clothing.

Swipe Pattern – bloodstain pattern caused by the transfer of blood from a moving surface onto another, with characteristics that indicate motion/rubbing/swiping between the two surfaces.

Target – any surface onto which blood has been deposited.

Transfer Stain – bloodstain resulting from contact between a wet blood-bearing surface and another. Sometimes it’s possible to see a recognizable imprint/shape of the bloody object on the second surface.

Void – absence of blood in an otherwise continuous bloodstain or bloodstain pattern. Perhaps an object was there, in the area of the void, when the blood was deposited, blocking it from landing in that spot. Then someone moved the item afterward, leaving the clean section.

Wipe Pattern – created when an object moves through an existing wet bloodstain, altering its appearance.

** Attention Writers, Sponsors, Readers, and Fans **

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Writers’ Police Academy. That’s 10 years of helping writers “get it right” with actual hands-on police training.

We appreciate all the support over the years and we’re looking forward to the most thrilling and exciting event we’ve ever produced – #2018WPA. If you’ve ever wanted to attend the WPA, I STRONGLY urge you to do so this year. Openings are available.

Readers and fans are welcome to attend and train along with their favorite authors. Past attendees include Jeffery Deaver(2018 Guest of Honor), Michael Connelly, Lisa Gardner, Tami D Hoag, Karin Slaughter, Kathy Reichs, Christopher Reich, Lee Child, Lee Goldberg, Marsha Clark, Kendra Elliot-Boucher, Melinda Leigh, Katherine Ramsland and many, many more!

Again, If you’ve ever wanted to attend the WPA, I STRONGLY, WHOLEHEARTEDLY, urge you to do so this year. Openings are available … this year. Could be your last chance. I’m just saying …

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A Crime Writer’s Mini Dictionary: E – F

Has your protagonist ever been at a loss for the right words? Do her fans believe what she’s saying? Well, to help prevent those embarrassing moments, here are a few terms that might help when she’s out and about in Fictionville.

E.

EC – Emergency Contact

EDP – Emotionally Disturbed Person

Eight Ball – 1/8th ounce of cocaine/meth/crack (3.5 grams).

Eighth Amendment – Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bails and fines.

Embezzlement – Fraudulent appropriation of property or funds to one’s own use. It is a larceny.

En Banc – A matter that’s considered by the full court, such as all judges of an appellate court rather than only one or two.

Entrapment – Defense which excuses a defendant from criminal activity because that illegal activity was a result of government persuasion/trickery.

Erroist – Someone who repeatedly makes mistakes. A true dumbass.

ERT – Evidence Eradication Team (Fire and EMS personnel when they arrive on and trample the scene of, well, anything).

Exclusionary Rule – Prohibits the introduction of evidence acquired by improper or illegal police action (improper search and seizure, etc.).

Hamilton One 033

Extradition – The surrender by one state to another of an accused or convicted person. A state governor has the right to demand the return of a person/suspect as long as probable cause of a crime exists.

Eye Socket Stabilization – Nickname for the self defense tactic where the victim uses their fingers to gouge the eyes of an attacker. Very effective.

 

F.

Fact-finder – Judge or jury charged with determining the facts of a court proceeding.

FADAR – Sitting on the side of the road giving the appearance of running radar, but with absolutely no intention of stopping a car. It’s a great tactic for reducing the speed of travelers. It’s also a great time to read a few pages from a favorite novel.

False Arrest – Unlawful restraint of one’s personal liberty.

Hamilton One 019

FD – Fire Department

Felony – A high/serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment (in prison, not jail), or death.

Felony Blue – When the chemical in a field test kit for cocaine turns blue. A positive result.

Fighting Words – Words that incite violence and breach of the peace, and that cause injury.

Fire Bomb – Any container of flammable material such as gasoline and/or kerosene or other chemical compound, and having a wick composed of any material which is capable of igniting the contained flammable material.

Flight – Leaving or concealment/hiding to avoid arrest.

Forcible Entry – Entering the property of another without that person’s permission. In some areas a mere trespass is considered forcible entry.

Fourth Amendment – Prohibits unreasonable search and seizure.

Fratricide – The killing of one’s brother.

FTD – Fixing To Die (used, particularly in the south, when describing a severely injured victim of a vehicle crash).“Rescue is on the way to the ER with the driver, but he’s FTD.”

Fresh Pursuit (Hot Pursuit) – An immediate, ongoing chase of a fleeing criminal suspect who is attempting to avoid capture. During a fresh pursuit officers may cross jurisdictional boundaries and they’re permitted to make an arrest of the fleeing subject without a warrant.

FTA – Failure To Appear (miss a court date).

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Crime Writer’s Dictionary: From KA To Mugshot

Crime writer's dictionary

 

Junior Franklin, well known to all the local cops for his kiting expertise, was keeping-six in a beat up and rusty loser-cruiser while his KA, Little Larry Mazo, set a bit of Lex talionis in motion on the kiddie cop who once gave him a severe case of lead poisoning.

Not familiar with the terminology in the previous and somewhat odd sentence? No problem. Here’s K through M from our handy-dandy, mini crime writer’s dictionary.

K.

KA – Known associate

Keepers – Thin leather straps used to attach a gun belt to an under belt, or dress belt.

Hamilton One 046

Belt keeper

Without belt keepers the duty belt would easily and quickly fall down to your ankles, especially when chasing someone through a dark alley.

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Two belt keepers positioned between handcuff cases

Keeping a Gambling House – A proprietor is said to be “keeping a gambling house” if he has knowledge and consents to gambling at or on his premises, or at a place under his control. If true, the proprietor is guilty of Keeping a Gambling House.

Keeping Six – Watching your back. The numerical reference is to the number six on a clock face. Standing at the center of the clock, facing twelve, six would be to your rear.

Kiddie Cop – School Resource Officer.

Kill – To deprive of life.

Kiting – Taking advantage of the time between when a check is deposited and when the funds are collected at another bank. This time period is known as “the float.” Drawing checks against deposits/funds which have not yet cleared. Writing checks against an account having funds insufficient to cover the check amount(s).

Kleptomania – An irresistible, uncontrollable propensity to steal things.

Knock and Announce – The rule that requires police to knock and announce their presence and purpose before entering a home. No-knock search warrants are the exception to the rule.

 

L.

Laundering – Transfer of money gained illegally into legal channels for the purpose of hiding its true source.

Lawn Ornament – An intoxicated person who passed out in someone’s front yard.

Lay Witness – Person offering testimony who is not an expert on the subject matter at hand.

Lead Poisoning – Shot multiple times. “Wow, twenty-three gunshot wounds. The cause of death is definitely lead poisoning.”

Lex talionis – The law of retaliation. An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth.

Light ‘Em Up – Activate emergency/blue lights. Initiate a traffic stop. “That car matches the description of the one used in the armed robbery. Light ’em up.” This phrase was often used on the television show Southland.

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Liquid Jesus – Pepper spray…because it has the capability to instantly convert the mean and nasty into sweet and compliant.

L.K.A. – Last Known Address

Lockdown – To temporarily confine prisoners to their cells during an emergency, or for added security during, after, or to prevent an “event.”.

Lockup – Temporary holding facility.

Looky-Loo – A person who cannot resist watching anything related to police, fire, EMS, train wreck, car crash, and general death and/or dismemberment. AKA Rubberneckers.

Loser Cruiser – A retired police car, now civilian-owned. Typically, the loser cruiser still has at least one spotlight still attached, as well as a couple of other police-type identifiers—antenna, etc. These cars are often purchased and driven by cop wannabe’s.

 

M.

Mace-greff – In Old English law, one who buys stolen goods. A fence.

Mail Fraud – The use of the mail to defraud (mailing a letter to set a scheme in motion, or to continue the criminal act). Mail fraud is a federal offense.

Major Crimes – Unofficially, the broad classification of the most serious crimes—Murder, Rape, Robbery, etc. Lt. Leadfoot is the detective in charge of the Major Crimes Division.

Malice – Intentionally committing a wrongful act, with the intent of causing an injury of some type.

Manslaughter – Unlawful (inexcusable) killing someone without premeditation or malice.

M.E.  – Medical Examiner

Mens Rea – A criminal intent.

M.O. – Modus operandi, or method of operation. A pattern of behavior.

MCT – Mobile Computer Terminal

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Monger – A seller, or dealer. For example, fishmonger.

Mug Book – A collection of mugshots/photos of suspected and convicted criminals.

Mugshot – Photo taken of suspect during booking/processing.

 

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Crime Writer’s Dictionary: From ICE to Justifiable Homicide

Crime writer's dictionary

 

“We’d better jet, Spanky, Jr. Here comes Pork Chop Ledbetter and he’s totin’ that nine with one in the pipe!”

Not familiar with the terminology? No problem. Here’s I through J from our handy-dandy, mini crime writer’s dictionary.

I.

ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE is also an acronym for “in case of emergency,” and it’s a nickname for methamphetamine.

Illegal – Not authorized by law.

Illegally Obtained Evidence – Evidence obtained in violation of a person’s rights (officers had no warrant or probable cause to arrest, seize property, etc.).

Imminent – Near at hand. “The threat to his life was imminent.”

Imprisonment – Detention of a person against their will/wishes.

IMGP0336

Indecent – Offensive. Obscene. Vulgar. (See politician).

§ 18.2-67.2. Inanimate object sexual penetration; penalty. (Virginia law) An accused shall be guilty of inanimate or animate object sexual penetration if he or she penetrates the labia majora or anus of a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, other than for a bona fide medical purpose, or causes such complaining witness to so penetrate his or her own body with an object or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in such acts with any other person or to penetrate, or to be penetrated by, an animal, and

1. The complaining witness is less than 13 years of age; or

2. The act is accomplished against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person, or through the use of the complaining witness’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness.

Indictment – A charge, in writing, investigated and found by a grand jury.

Informer – A person who discloses information regarding violations of the law.

In jure – According to the law.

Innocent – Free from guilt.

In The Pipe – A weapon with one round in the chamber.

New Picture (6)

In The Wind – The suspect is a runner/has fled the scene. “Little Earl took off as soon as he saw the police car. Man, he was in the wind.”

J.

Jack Wagon – Jerk/idiot. “I don’t care if he is your captain, that guy’s a real jack wagon.”

JAFR – Just another f***ing rookie.

Jailitis – The mysterious illness/injury suddenly contracted the moment handcuffs are applied. “Easy, man, I have a bad heart and you’re going to make me have one of my spells. Besides, I’m allergic to jail sheets.”

Jail Credit – Time served while waiting for trial. Jail credit is deducted from the overall sentence.

Jet – Get out of here! “The cops are on the way, Boo, so I’m ’bout to jet.”

Jiggle Keys – Homemade keys used to pick (jiggle) locks on automobiles.

John Wayne – Assuming an over-the-top tough-guy role. “Old Chicken-Wing Jenkins went all John Wayne on that guy. Messed him up, too. I heard the ‘other guy’ has three broken ribs.”

New Picture

Junior Officer – Next thing to toilet tissue stuck to the bottom of a veteran officer’s shoe.

Jurisdiction – An area of authority. Sheriff Lock M. Up has jurisdiction over the entire county and all towns and cities within.

Justifiable Homicide – Killing of another in self-defense or the defense of others.

 

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