Slang Terms and Terminology Used by Police Officers: Insights from a Former Officer

Introduction

Police officers, like members of any profession, have their own unique linguistic culture. This includes a variety of slang terms and abbreviations that are used to enhance quick and efficient communication during their work. In this article, we will explore some common and region-specific slang terms used by officers, which are often based on the widely used 10-codes system and department-specific jargon.

Common Police Slang Terms

10-4: An acknowledgment or agreement. Similar to 'Roger' in civilian contexts, 10-4 is a succinct way for officers to confirm they understand or agree to a directive.

Code 3: Responding with lights and sirens. This code is used when officers need to rush to a location quickly and safely.

Suspect: Often shortened to Sus. This term is used for individuals who are believed to be involved in a crime.

Perp: Short for perpetrator, used to refer to someone suspected of a crime. It’s a more severe and frequently used term compared to suspect.

Beat: The area or route a police officer patrols. It refers to the geographical area assigned to an officer for regular patrolling and surveillance.

Civilians: Non-law enforcement individuals. Sometimes referred to as RMP (Radio Motor Patrol) in some departments, which specifically refers to police vehicles and their occupants.

Back-up: Request for additional officers to assist in a situation. It’s a quick and clear term to communicate the need for reinforcement.

FTO: Field Training Officer. An experienced officer who trains new recruits in the field, providing practical and hands-on experience.

Department-Specific Slang Terms

Many of the slang terms used by officers are based on the 10-codes system, which originated from the police radio communication protocol. However, each department has its own set of unique terms that further enhance communication and efficiency.

10-16

10-16: Also known as 'A subject under arrest.' This code is used to indicate that an arrest is in progress or has been made.

Duece

Duece: A DUI suspect from section 502 of the California Vehicle Code which deals with driving while impaired. The term 'Duece' is a playful shortening used in police jargon.

Pedro

Pedro: An illegal border crosser. Our base is located near the international border with Mexico, making it a frequent term in our department.

We often saw people trying to wander onto government property without realizing it. Our department became familiar with many Border Patrol agents through these encounters.

Mag Cite

Mag Cite: Short for magistrate citation. These are tickets often issued to civilian lawbreakers on military property. They can cover anything from littering to murder and serve as a means for the military to enforce civilian laws on base property. These cases are typically tried in federal court due to the federal nature of the property.

FRONTERA PLATE

FRONTERA PLATE: A term used to refer to vehicles owned by Mexican citizens. Given our proximity to the Mexican border, these plates are often seen on cars coming from Tijuana. The "FRONT BC" on the plate stands for "Frontera Baja California," which indicates the vehicle is from the northern half of Baja California, Mexico.

These plates are particularly common on lost or abandoned vehicles trying to find their way back to US territory, often ending up on our patrol routes and impound lots.

Conclusion

The use of slang and specialized terms in police work is crucial for maintaining clear and effective communication, especially during emergency situations. These terms can vary by region and department, reflecting the unique needs and challenges faced by individual police forces.