LAW ENFORCEMENT TERMS

Assault

The threat of bodily harm by a person with the apparent, present ability to carry out the threat

Back-up

Sending additional field resources to assist

Battery

The intentional touching or striking of another person in a harmful or offensive manner, without that person’s consent

BOLO

Be on the lookout

ATL

Attempt to locate

Criminal mischief

Vandalism; destroying or damaging public or private property maliciously

Domestic dispute

A quarrel within a family or between members of the same household, which may or may not include violence

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol

Felony

A serious crime punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary or in correctional facilities for a year or more

Field information reports (FIR)

A short narrative completed by field units after contact with citizens

Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)

Florida’s central database for tracking crime-related data

Gone on Arrival (GOA)

No longer on scene when responder arrived

Homicide

Unlawful killing of a human being

Internal Affairs (IA)

A division of a law enforcement agency that investigates citizen complaints of police misconduct, and handles internal disciplinary matters

Misdemeanor

A criminal offense that is punishable by a term of imprisonment in a county correctional facility for up to a year

National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

The Nation’s central database for tracking crime-related data

Resisting arrest

Knowingly and willfully resisting, obstructing, or opposing a law enforcement officer engaged in the execution of legal process, or lawful execution of a legal dutY

Sexual battery

Any non-consensual touching of the intimate parts of another. This could include union with the sexual organ of another; or oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by someone or some object

Stalking

A person who maliciously and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyber stalks another person. Cyber stalking is to communicate words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communications, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)

A group of responders trained to deal with unusually dangerous or violent situations and having special, or superior, weapons more powerful than standard issue

Trespass

Willfully remaining on a property without authorization

Warrant

A written order issued by authority of the state and commanding the seizure of the person named

Writ of bodily attachment

A warrant issued as a result of civil contempt