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.
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
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADW: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
AED: Automated External Defibrillator
AKA: Also Known As
AMBER Alert: America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response
APB: All Points Bulletin
AREP: Agency Representative
ATL: Attempt To Locate
B&E: Breaking and Entering
BAC: Blood Alcohol Concentration
BOLO: Be On the Lookout
CAD: Computer-Aided Dispatch
CAPS: Community Policing Strategy
CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television
CCW: Concealed Carry Weapon
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
CI: Confidential Informant / Cognitive Interview
CISM: Critical Incident Stress Management
CLEET: Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training
CNT: Crisis Negotiation Team
CO: Correctional Officer / Commanding Officer
CODIS: Combined DNA Index System
COML: Communications Unit Leader
COPS: Community Oriented Policing Services
CP: Complaining Party / Calling Party
CPS: Child Protective Services
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
CSO: Community Service Officer
DC: Deputy Chief
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
ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
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
IPV: Intimate Partner Violence (domestic violence)
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")
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
NIBIN: National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (ATF)
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
NRTAC: National Resource and Technical Assistance Center (NPI)
OI: Officer-Involved
OIS: Officer-Involved Shooting
OPSEC: Operational Security
OSC: Operations Section Chief
PBT: Preliminary Breath Test
PC: Probable Cause
PD: Police Department
PFA: Protection From Abuse order
PFS: Protection From Stalking order
PII: Personally Identifiable Information
PMF: Privately Manufactured Firearm (ghost gun)
POV: Personally-Owned Vehicle
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PV: Parole Violation / Probation Violation
RCT: Randomized Control Trial
RMS: Records Management System
RO: Reporting Officer
ROE: Rules of Engagement
Rx: Medical Prescription (death investigations)
SAR: Search and Rescue
SAR: Situation, Assessment, Recommendation (Crisis / Hostage Negotiations)
SMT: Scars, Marks, Tattoos
SO: Sheriff's Office
SO: Safety Officer (NIMS)
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
SRO: School Resource Officer
SRT: Special Response Team
SSN: Social Security Number
SWAT: Special Weapons and Tactics
TEDS: Tell, Explain, Describe, Show
TFL: Task Force Leader
TOC: Tactical Operations Center / Command
UCR: Uniform Crime Reporting
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
UC: Undercover
UOF: Use of Force
USC: United States Code
VIC: Victim
VICAP: Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (FBI)
VIP: Very Important Person
VOCA: Victims of Crime Act
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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