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Law Enforcement & Police Acronyms

Writer's picture: C. EdwardC. Edward

Updated: Jan 3

In the complex world of law enforcement, acronyms and legislative terms often serve as shorthand for intricate concepts, specialized units, and legal statutes. These terms not only facilitate quick communication among professionals but also encapsulate broader themes and practices that are essential to the field. Whether you're a seasoned law enforcement officer, a legal scholar, or a concerned citizen looking to understand the nuances of public safety and justice, familiarizing yourself with these terms can offer valuable insights.

Acronyms
Law Enforcement Acronyms

This article aims to demystify the jargon by providing an extensive list of acronyms and legislative terms commonly used in law enforcement. From the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) to the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), we'll break down what each acronym stands for. So, let's dive in and decode the language that shapes our understanding of law enforcement in America.


AC: Area Command

AD: Accidental Discharge

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act

ADVOKATE: Amount of time, Distance, Visibility, Obstructions, Known suspect, Any reason to remember, Time lapse, Errors or discrepancies.

ADW: Assault with a Deadly Weapon

AED: Automated External Defibrillator

AKA: Also Known As

APB: All Points Bulletin

AREP: Agency Representative

ATC: Attempt To Contact

ATI: Attempt To Identify

ATL: Attempt To Locate

B&E: Breaking and Entering

BAC: Blood Alcohol Concentration

BOLO: Be On the Lookout

CAC: Child Advocacy Center

CAD: Computer-Aided Dispatch

CAPS: Community Policing Strategy

CBA: Cleared By Arrest

CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television

CCW: Concealed Carry Weapon

CFR: Code of Federal Regulations

CI: Confidential Informant / Cognitive Interview

CIS: Cognitive Interview for Suspects

CIR: Criminal Incident Report

CISM: Critical Incident Stress Management

CLEET: Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training

CNT: Crisis Negotiation Team

CO: Correctional Officer / Commanding Officer

COML: Communications Unit Leader

COPS: Community Oriented Policing Services

CP: Complaining Party / Calling Party

CPS: Child Protective Services

CRASH: Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (LAPD)

CS: ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (tear gas)

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSO: Community Service Officer

CST: Child Sex Trafficking

DC: Deputy Chief

DCF: Department of Children and Families

DMV: Department of Motor Vehicles

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid

DOA: Dead on Arrival

DOB: Date Of Birth

DOC: Department of Corrections

DRE: Drug Recognition Expert

DRT: Dead Right There

DUI: Driving Under the Influence

DUI-D: Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

DV: Domestic Violence

DWI: Driving While Intoxicated

EDP: Emotionally Disturbed Person

EI: Emotional Intelligence

EOC: Emergency Operations Center

EOD: Explosive Ordnance Disposal

ERT: Emergency Response Team

ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival

FEP: False Evidence Ploy

FFA: Federal Firearms Act

FI: Field Interview

FMBUS: Firearm Manufactured By Unlicensed Subject

FSC: Finance Section Chief

FTA: Failure To Appear

FTO: Field Training Officer

GIU: Gang Intelligence Unit

GSR: Gunshot Residue

HAZMAT: Hazardous Materials

HGN: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

HOBAS: Hostage Barricade Database System (FBI)

HRT: Hostage Rescue Team

Hx: "History" shorthand for notes/boards (criminal, mental health, police case, etc.)

IA: Internal Affairs

IADLEST: International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards & Training

ICS: Incident Command System

IED: Improvised Explosive Device

IGG: Investigative Genetic Geneology

INV: Investigation

IO: Investigating Officer

IPV: Intimate Partner Violence (domestic violence)

IR: Interview Room

K&R: Kidnap and Ransom

LE: Law Enforcement

LEA: Law Enforcement Agency

LEIN: Law Enforcement Information Network

LEMAS: Law Enforcement and Administrative Management Statistics

LEO: Law Enforcement Officer

LNO: Liason Officer

LPR: License Plate Reader

LRAD: Long Range Acoustic Device

M/C: Motorcycle

MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving

MCCA: Major Cities Chief's Association

MCD - Machinegun Conversion Device (switch/"Glock switch")

MCT: Mobile Computer Terminal

MDMA: 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine / ecstasy (tablet form)

MDT: Mobile Data Terminal

ME: Medical Examiner

MIR: Miranda Rights

MO: Modus Operandi

MVA: Motor Vehicle Accident

NGO: Nongovernmental Organization

NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NIA: Non-Injury Accident

NIBRS: National Incident-Based Reporting System

NICS: National Instant Criminal Background Check System

NIJ: National Institute of Justice (research & development for DOJ)

NIMS: National Incident Management System

NMVTA: National Motor Vehicle Theft Act (Dyer Act, 1919)

NOC: Negotiations Operations Center / Command

OC: Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray)

OI: Officer-Involved

OII: Officer-Involved Incident

OIS: Officer-Involved Shooting

OPSEC: Operational Security

OR: Offense Report / Own Recognizance (bond)

OSC: Operations Section Chief

PBT: Preliminary Breath Test

PC: Probable Cause / Passenger Car

PD: Police Department

PFA: Protection From Abuse order

PFS: Protection From Stalking order

PII: Personally Identifiable Information

PMF: Privately Manufactured Firearm (ghost gun)

PNC: Police National Computer (UK)

POV: Personally-Owned Vehicle

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

PSB: Problematic Sexual Behavior

PSU: Professional Standards Unit

PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PV: Parole Violation / Probation Violation

RCT: Randomized Control Trial

RHD: Robbery-Homicide Division

RMS: Records Management System

RO: Reporting Officer

ROE: Rules of Engagement

Rx: Medical Prescription (death investigations)

SA: Sexual Assault

SAECK: Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit

SAKI: Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

SART: Sexual Assault Response Team

SAR: Search and Rescue

SAR: Situation, Assessment, Recommendation (Crisis / Hostage Negotiations)

SIS: Special Investigations Section

SMT: Scars, Marks, Tattoos

SO: Sheriff's Office

SO: Safety Officer (NIMS)

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure

SoS: Shift of Strategy (SUE Technique)

SRO: School Resource Officer

SRT: Special Response Team

SSN: Social Security Number

SVU: Special Victims Unit

SWAT: Special Weapons and Tactics

TEDS: Tell, Explain, Describe, Show

TFL: Task Force Leader

TK: Truck

TOC: Tactical Operations Center / Command

TOD: Time Of Death

UCR: Uniform Crime Reporting

UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UC: Undercover

UOF: Use of Force

VIC: Victim

VIP: Very Important Person

VRO: Violence Restraining Order

WMD: Weapons of Mass Destruction

WPA: Witness Protection Act

WPS: Witness Protection Scheme

WT: Wiretap

XO: Executive Officer

ZT: Zero Tolerance


Understanding the acronyms and terms associated with law enforcement is more than just mastering shorthand; it's about gaining a deeper insight into the complex mechanisms that keep our society safe and just. This list of law enforcement acronyms serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the intricate web of agencies, units, and legal frameworks that shape our national security landscape. From the ATF to the USSS, each acronym represents a dedicated group of professionals committed to upholding the law and protecting the American people. Whether you're in the field of law enforcement, studying criminal justice, or simply a concerned citizen, we hope this list enhances your understanding and appreciation of the work being done at all levels of law enforcement to maintain law and order.

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