Police Technology Glossary
Police Technology
Welcome to the Police Equipment Glossary, a comprehensive guide designed to provide clear definitions and explanations of the various tools and technologies used in law enforcement.My name is Justine, it's my second year in the Police Technology program and my glossary is there to help you navigate the complex landscape of police equipment with ease and confidence.In this glossary there's also 20 terms and this glossary aims to support officers, training personnel, and anyone interested in understanding the essential equipment that assists in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law.
- breathalyzer
- Noun
- A device used by police for measuring the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath.
- Example: After pulling over a driver suspected of drunk driving, the officer administered a breathalyzer test to measure the driver’s blood alcohol content.
- en: Alcootest
- bulletproof vests.
- Noun
- A piece of thick clothing worn on the top half of the body to protect the wearer from bullets:
- Example: The police officer was shot several times, but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest.
- en: Gilet pare-balles
- dash camera
- Noun
- A video camera usually mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle and used to continuously record activity through the vehicle's windshield. Typically, police dash cams are used to gather evidence during traffic stops.
- Example: After a traffic stop, the officer reviewed the dash camera footage to verify the details of the incident and ensure accurate reporting.
- en: Caméra de tableau de bord.
- drone
- Noun
- Aerial devices used for surveillance, search and rescue, or monitoring large areas.
- Example: Police deployed a drone to survey the area from above and assist in locating a missing person during the search operation.
- en: Drone
- first aid kit
- Noun
- A set of materials and tools used for giving emergency treatment to a sick or injured person.
- Example: A police officer used the First Aid Kit to administer first aid to an injured pedestrian while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
- en: Trousse de secours
- flashlight
- Noun
- A battery-operated portable light for illumination during nighttime operations or low-light conditions.
- Example: While investigating a dark alley, the officer used a flashlight to illuminate the area and search for any signs of suspicious activity.
- en: Lampe de poche
- K9 unit
- Noun
- The terms police dog or K9 unit refer to dogs used by law enforcement in specialized units called canine brigades.
- Example: The police deployed the K9 unit to search for the missing person in the dense forest.
- en: Unité canine
- megaphone
- Noun
- A large funnel-shaped device for amplifying and directing the voice.
- Example: Attention, this is the police. Please listen carefully to the instructions through the megaphone and move to the designated area. Thank you.
- en: Mégaphone
- note book
- Noun
- A small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in.
- Example: During the investigation, the detective used a notebook to jot down important details from the witness interviews and crime scene observations.
- en: Calpin de note
- pepper spray
- Noun
- A substance made from a chemical found in peppers that causes temporary blindness and pain to the nose, throat, and skin when it is sprayed on someone
- Example: The police officer used pepper spray to bring the suspect under control.
- en: Spray au poivre
- police flares
- Noun
- Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.
- Example: Police deployed flares along the highway to mark the accident scene and ensure drivers could see the area clearly at night.
- en: Feux de Bengale
- police gun
- Noun
- A weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are propelled by explosive force, typically making a characteristic loud, sharp noise.
- Example: He had a gun in his hand, so we had to use our gun to shut him down.
- en: Pistolet.
- police handcuffs
- Noun
- Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists in proximity to each other. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each cuff has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist.
- Example: When you have to handcuff someone to stop them from moving so that you can then do an effective search. When someone tries to resist, they can be handcuffed with the necessary force.
- en: menotte de police
- police radar
- Noun
- When speeding or running a red light is detected, the device takes pictures of the vehicle and its license plate.
- Example: The officer used the radar to measure the speed of oncoming vehicles and identify any that were exceeding the speed limit.
- en: Radar de police
- portable defibrillator
- Noun
- AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
- Example: During a medical emergency at a public event, the officer quickly retrieved a portable defibrillator from the squad car to assist an individual who had collapsed.
- en: Défibrillateur portable
- protective shield
- Noun
- A piece of metal or other material, carried to protect the front of the body when being attacked, or a person or thing that provides protection
- Example: During a crowd control situation, the officer used a protective shield to defend against thrown objects while managing the protest.
- en: Bouclier de protection
- security camera
- Noun
- A camera that records images in or outside a building or in a public place, in order to prevent or help solve crime
- Example: Police are reviewing the security camera footage to gather evidence and identify suspects in the ongoing investigation.
- en: Camera de surveillance
- taser gun
- Noun
- A taser gun is a conducted energy device primarily used to incapacitate people, allowing them to be approached and handled in a thus less-lethal manner.
- Example: A police officer might use a taser if a suspect is aggressively resisting arrest and poses a danger to themselves or others.
- en: Pistolet à impulsion électrique
- telescopic stick
- Noun
- A telescopic walking stick is typically made up of several sections or segments that fit into each other, usually 2 to 4 depending on the model.
- Example: A police officer might use a telescopic stick to create distance between themselves and an aggressive suspect who is attempting to close the gap and attack.
- en: Bâton télescopique
- walkie-talkie
- Noun
- A small portable radio set for receiving and sending messages.
- Example: An officer might use a Walkie-talkie to coordinate with other units during a pursuit, ensuring all team members are updated on the suspect’s location and movements."
- en: Talkie-walkie
