The Ultimate Police Slang Quiz

A "deuce" is used for a driver with a DUI. While that is what it means to police officers, it can also mean a tie.

The Tactical Firearms Unit deals with larger scale situations that involve military-level skill. They're often known by many different names such as the SWAT team.

Holding up four fingers is a signal that a cop might use to another cop to tell them they don't need any assistance or help with a situation. If you're the receiving cop, you can then carry on and prevent more crime!

This comes from the fact that the sticks are likely made from wood and that the prisoners may have been hit in the head. It can even be heard from outside the police station as well.

This is true. It's a fairly fast robbery where the suspect flees very quickly. It is typically conducted in person right in front of the victim's eyes.

As an officer, reports are a very important part of your job. The slang around your workplace might refer to reports as papers, just like they are referred to in school.

SA is a short way to say "state attorney," which is a person who works as a lawyer for the state. Did you know that in different states there are different names for the term?

Billy club is the name for this weapon that an officer might carry. They're typically a stick that is better and more widely known as a baton for use in situations where lethal force is not warranted.

In a reference to the electric shock that a Taser gives off, the term is "ride the lightning." Tasers are often used in cases of individuals who are hard to detain or stop.

This is true. The vehicle identification number is a very useful tool for police officers. By knowing the VIN of a vehicle, they can find out a lot that they would need to know about the car.

Victims, informants and witnesses are the subject of this acronym. Each one of these people are all important in the world of law and enforcement.

"GTA" means exactly what it stands for in the video game that uses this acronym. It's just what it sounds like, theft of a motor vehicle.

"GAT" may not seem like the perfect word for a firearm, but it came from somewhere! The term originates from a Gatling gun, and it has been used as a general term since.

This is a term that you've probably heard a lot on the television show "Criminal Minds"! It's a mix of the two words put together into one easy-to-say word.

This is true. The YID stands for Youth Investigations Division and deals with juveniles who have committed or have been involved with crimes. The branch often deals with custody matters as well.

BKD is an acronym that is most commonly used when in reference to a prisoner. If they're booked, they're booked into the prison where they will be staying.

A house mouse is an officer you'll usually find in the office rather than out patrolling. These officers would much rather stay behind and do paperwork than get out in the field!

The Department of Corrections is part of the government, but each state has its own department. The DOC determines and handles everything to do with those who have been incarcerated.

As an officer, you'll always want your uniform to look its best. So, if you notice an Irish pendant hanging from it, you'll want to fix that up immediately. Don't let the chief see it!

This is false. Lockup is a place where prisoners go to get documented for their crime. Things like fingerprints are completed in this area.

Just like in trucking, officers use the 10 codes as well. "What's your 20," or "What's your 10-20" are both ways to ask where an officer is located.

While "ATL" may mean different things to many people, to an officer it means "attempt to locate." This could be used in many situations such as in a missing persons case or a case where a person's location might be unknown.

When it comes to being a police officer, tango isn't the dance you might think it is. Tango instead is a way to say thank you that is derived from the military code.

"JUV" is short for juvenile and is used as a shorter way to refer to them. In the United States, a juvenile is a person who is under the age of 18 and treated as a minor.

This is false. It actually stands for "assault with a dangerous weapon." It can be heard often in court, or even out in the field when a suspect attempts to attack someone.

MISPER is slang that police officers use to notify of a missing person. The word first originated in the 1800s and it is still being used today.

While it is commonly used in the medical profession, ETOH is also used by police officers. It's usually used for someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a quick way to communicate that to someone else.

A/O stands for "arresting officer," so they would want to know who made the arrest. This is also an important thing to know and document in cases of trials or other events.

"FIDO" isn't the most polite acronym, but it works for what it is used for! When you're on the job and decide to ignore a speeding car or other incident, then you might use or hear the acronym used.

This is true. 11-96 is that backup code for use in situations that require more than just the officer there. It is usually used in situations where someone or something is out of hand or too severe to handle.

Mobile Data Terminals are kept in the police cruiser and are used for displaying information as well as other purposes. Aside from police officers, many other professionals use these in their jobs as well.

The word "copy" is used to say OK or yes. It's typically used by police on the phone or radio, similar to how truckers use the term.

The NOK is a slang term for "next of kin." Next of kin are extremely important in cases of death as they are then given a lot of responsibility and have a lot of weight when it comes to what will happen next.

This is one you might hear in a situation where police are investigating a crime scene. It can also be used in accompaniment of information given to an officer to tell them more about a suspect to watch for.

The last known address is often an important thing to find out when working on a crime. It can be a great place to find out more information or even find someone you may be looking for.