If you find yourself longing for the thrill of a one-hour cop drama filled with action-packed cases and charismatic detectives, you might just be experiencing a case of “crime procedural fever.” These shows offer a delightful escape from the daily grind of work, family, and financial worries, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of law enforcement. To truly engage with these shows and feel like you belong, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some key terminology. Here’s your ultimate guide to the lingo of police procedurals:
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Petechial Hemorrhaging
The term that kicks things off! In layman’s terms, petechiae are tiny red or purple spots on the skin caused by ruptured capillaries. In the world of forensic science, they can indicate strangulation. On TV, this phrase serves as the miraculous clue that unravels the case and initiates the quest for justice. Think of it as a fancy way of saying “broken blood vessels in the eyes” — and let’s be honest, hearing it is as soothing as a warm bath with a glass of Prosecco. -
LUDs
Local Usage Details, or LUDs, are a detective’s best friend, much like little electronic fairies that scatter clues. These are the phone records of a suspect that inevitably lead to a burner phone, a secret affair, or even an illegitimate child. Just remember, in reality, accessing these records requires a warrant—something the shows conveniently gloss over! -
Vic/Perp
Short for victim and perpetrator. The vic often leads a double life (think mild-mannered accountant by day, eco-terrorist by night), while the perp is usually the first recognizable guest star interviewed. -
“Have uniforms canvass the block.”
When detectives send officers to knock on doors to gather information, it’s called canvassing. Most of the time, witnesses have seen nothing, unless, of course, a prim rich person utters something racially insensitive—then it’s relevant. -
“Run it through the system.”
The “system” could be AFIS, CODIS, or even facial recognition. On TV, this process yields instant results, often linking the suspect to a previous crime. In real life? Not so fast—those results can take hours, if not days. -
“Put out a BOLO”
This stands for “Be on the Lookout” and is a radio call for other officers to watch for a suspect or missing person. Disappointingly mundane when you realize it’s just an acronym! -
Rigor/Time of Death
Rigor mortis is crucial for establishing time of death, which helps piece together a crime timeline. This is vital for clearing or implicating suspects, often leading to shocking revelations about their relationships or financial troubles. -
GSR/GSW
Gunshot residue and gunshot wounds are common terms. While GSR indicates the shooter, GSW is how most characters meet their end. Forget about a simple gunshot; on TV, killings are far more elaborate. -
A Partial
This refers to a partial fingerprint, indicating that a suspect was not smart enough to avoid leaving evidence. However, they’ll likely have a believable alibi, like being at a bar or out with a lover at the time of the crime. -
The Feds/Local PD
This rivalry is palpable in cop shows, much like the Yankees versus the Red Sox. Depending on your favorite series, you’ll have a strong opinion about which side is more competent or trustworthy. -
Unsub
Short for “unknown subject,” this term gained popularity through shows like Criminal Minds. It’s a snappy way to refer to the perpetrator without having to say “perpetrator” every time. -
Tox Screen
A forensic toxicology screen is what brings detectives to the autopsy room, where they learn about substances in the deceased’s system. In real life, the process takes weeks—definitely not the quick turnaround you see on TV. -
Blood Spatter
Crime scene photographs are rarely neat or tidy, yet TV shows often portray blood spatter with pristine patterns just waiting for detectives to analyze. In reality, it’s much messier. -
“Stop. Right there. Can you get in closer?”
The classic line where techs magically enhance grainy footage to reveal a suspect. In reality, grainy video remains grainy, no matter how many clicks and taps happen.
These insights will help you dive deeper into the thrilling world of cop shows. Grab your remote and get ready for a binge-watching session! And remember, if you don’t catch every detail, don’t worry—justice is always served in these stories (unless the villain becomes a recurring nemesis, of course).
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In summary, understanding cop shows requires knowing the lingo that brings the excitement to life. Familiarize yourself with these terms, and you’ll feel right at home in the world of crime dramas.