There are many police officer terms that a law enforcement officer will need to use on a daily basis to do their job and communicate with their fellow officers and law enforcement professionals. Some may also refer to police officer terms as jargon, because only those in the law enforcement field can understand someone speaking with a great deal of these terms. There is a very large body of acronyms, abbreviations, codes and slang used by law enforcement personnel to provide quick and concise descriptions of people, places, property and situations. Law enforcement officers must learn a huge list of general police officer terms in order to pass examinations, so they will be ready for both spoken and written communication in the field.

There are many police officer terms, and it would be ludicrous to attempt to list them all in one simple article. There are slang terms, numerical and alphanumerical codes, subject descriptions, code violations, initials and descriptive terms. The following are perhaps the top 25 terms every police officer should know to do their job on a daily basis:

1. APB: All Points Bulletin
2. APC: All Points County
3. CJ: County Jail
4. Civies: A term used to describe non-uniform clothes used in undercover operations.
5. Compstat: A method of tracking criminal activity and subsequent enforcement.
6. Condition: A problem or concern in need of police attention.
7. DA: District Attorney
8. DV: Domestic Violence
9. DOB: Date Of Birth
10. DOA: Dead on Arrival
11. EC: Emergency Contact
12. FD: Fire Department
13. NAT: Necessary Action Taken
14. Puke: A pejorative for an inmate of the county jail or state prison.
15. PA: Prosecuting Attorney
16. PC: Probable Cause (Reasonable Suspicion for arrest or stop)
17. PD: Police Department
18. RO: Registered Owner
19. RP: Reporting Person or Party
20. SO: Sheriff’s Office
21. SA: State’s Attorney
22. SNEU: Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit
23. Skell: An unsavory character, often used by New York City Police Officers.
24. Skell Gel: An antibacterial lotion used by officers after contact with “skells.”
25. Wood Shampoo: Using less than lethal force to gain voluntary compliance.

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Corrections form a component of Law Enforcement. Officers of Law Enforcement enforce sanctions imposed by judicial authorities. These sanctions can either be negative [imprisonment] or positive [parole]. Management of sanctions is of course a risky preposition for those concerned. From a career perspective, officers or aspiring students can’t always get into campuses and undergo programs since several Law Enforcement facilities are located in remote, less populated areas. The answer is Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s programs offered through campus and online mode providing flexible learning to bolster skills of students and correctional staff.

These programs include risk suicide risk assessment, observing and supervising inmates, safety procedures, mental health of inmates, emergency medical awareness, effective restraint, emergency situational controls and legal implications. Critical thinking, analysis, decision making and communication strategies in handling dangerous situations are discussed too. The programs are practical mixed with case studies and experiences of officers. The program may also include working in correction systems to better understand the workings.

Most correctional officers are employed by governmental and security agencies. It is expected that this will increase in future with mandatory sentencing guidelines calling for longer sentences with reduced parole and construction of additional correctional facilities. Correctional officers in federal, state and local government facilities earned median annual salaries of $44,700, $33,750 and $33,080 respectively. Salaries can be higher depending on experience and level of education.

Corrections programs at various levels are offered by University of Phoenix which provides campus and online learning. ITT Technical Institute also offers host of programs in this field. American InterContinental University believes in taking a real-world approach to bring students’ dreams into their own hands. Walden University offers diverse programs to prepare students for careers in Law Enforcement. Kaplan University completes the list with its drive to help students achieve their goals through diverse programs suiting their needs.

Becoming a police officer may be a life long dream or a goal made as an adult because of an experience that prompted interest in the criminal justice career.  It is an ideal career for people who are detailed oriented, physically fit, enjoy challenge and diversity in their daily routine, can think on their feet, have good communication skills and a strong sense of duty and responsibility.  When researching on how to become a police officer, it is wise to know that you will have to take part in demanding police officer training and tests.

How to Become a Police Officer

Becoming a police officer is not always easy, but with careful planning, determination, and self-discipline a criminal justice career as a police officer is attainable.  There are a number of things that can be done to make you a competitive candidate for police officer job openings.

• Education: First, graduate from high school with good grades in math, science, phys ed, computer science, English, and psychology if it is offered. It is also an added asset if you can converse in Spanish or a second language common to the area. Next, graduate from college with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice – work hard and get the best grades you can. Your grades and other positive strengths will help you go to the top of the interview list.
• Moral life style: Make the right choices, stay out of trouble, and participate in community organizations such as the fire or first aid departments, little league,  and scouting to exhibit your good character and interest in people – especially youth. Remember, as a police officer you will be a role model and a representative of your community 24/7. Background checks will be made. You must have lead a clean life to become a police officer.
• Know the area: Familiarize yourself with the town or city with the opening for police officer, including the layout, ethnic diversity, and politics. You’ll also need to know who’s who in the department, the size, how shifts are run, and expectations of the department’s members.
• Related experience: Many people interested in becoming a police officer first work as a police dispatcher. It is a great way to learn codes, terminology, procedures, and other skills needed first hand…and a foot in the door.

Police Officer Training

Because the job market for becoming a police officer is highly competitive, there are several ways you can train to become a police officer to give you an edge over the next candidate.

• Police Academy Training: If your state allows it, before you are hired attend a police academy and finish near the top of your class – at your own expense.  The duration of the police officer training at the academy is for three months and includes everything a rookie officer needs to know. At the police academy, you will be instructed in firearms, traffic control, investigation of accidents and crimes, first aid, and high speed driving, among other skills needed to learn how to become a police officer.
• Physical Training: Visit the gym several times a week to stay physically fit. You will be tested in agility, strength, and stamina. It is recommended you develop a police physical training program before you enter the police academy. While you are at it, maintain a healthy diet, too. The healthier you look at your interview, the better the impression you will make.

Police Officer Tests

There are many forms of police officer tests to be taken before you are hired.

• Civil Service Test: Buy a study guide at your local book store or you may even be able to find one at your local library. The study guide for the police officer test will give you samples similar to the civil service test you must pass and tips to help you be successful.
• To become a police officer, you most likely be required to take other forms of police officer tests, such as a lie detector test, physical exam including vision and drug tests, and a psychological test in addition to a civil service test which includes a written portion. Tests and other requirements may vary from department to department and level of law enforcement you are applying for. You will also definitely have to participate in an oral interview.

If you plan ahead, make the right life style choices, and stay mentally and physically fit, you will have a good chance of becoming a police officer.