The UK Police
Glossary
134+ ranks, acronyms, PACE sections and procedural terms — explained in plain English, with links to the full guide wherever one exists on this site.
Ranks & Rank Structure
The formal rank hierarchy used by every Home Office force in England and Wales, from student officer to Chief Constable (Commissioner in the Met and City of London).
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC)
Chief officer rank (Commander in the Met) responsible for a portfolio such as operations, crime or local policing.
Assistant Commissioner (AC)
Senior Metropolitan Police rank, equivalent to Deputy Chief Constable elsewhere.
Chief Constable (CC)
Head of a police force outside London, operationally independent of the Police and Crime Commissioner who holds them to account.
Chief Inspector (Chief Insp / CI)
Senior management tier below Superintendent, often running a district or specialist department.
Chief Superintendent (Chief Supt)
Most senior BCU commander rank, sitting just below chief officer level.
Commander
Met Police and City of London Police equivalent rank to Assistant Chief Constable.
Commissioner
Head of the Metropolitan Police Service — the Met's equivalent of Chief Constable, appointed by the Crown on the Home Secretary's recommendation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC)
Metropolitan Police rank between Commander and Assistant Commissioner.
Deputy Chief Constable (DCC)
Second-in-command of a force (Deputy Commissioner in the Met), deputising for the Chief Constable.
Deputy Commissioner
Second-in-command of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI)
Senior investigative management rank, often overseeing major crime or a borough's CID.
Detective Constable (DC)
A constable working in an investigative role (CID or a specialist investigative unit) rather than uniformed response.
Detective Inspector (DI)
Manages a CID team or specialist investigative unit.
Detective Sergeant (DS)
First-line investigative supervisor, typically overseeing a small team of DCs.
Detective Superintendent (Det Supt)
Senior investigative rank commanding major/serious crime departments.
Inspector (Insp / Ins)
Manages a larger team or geographic patch; often the duty officer with authorisation powers under PACE (e.g. extending detention).
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
A uniformed, non-warranted role with a limited, force-defined set of powers (e.g. issuing fixed penalty notices, some detention powers) — not a constable.
Police Constable (PC)
The base operational rank. Every officer, regardless of specialism, holds the office of constable — a role with independent legal authority, not simply an employee grade.
Probationer
An attested constable serving their statutory probationary period (typically two years on PCEP, three on PCDA), during which Regulation 13 applies.
Regulation 13 explained →Sergeant (Sgt / PS)
First supervisory rank, typically responsible for a shift or small team of constables.
Special Constable (SC)
A volunteer, unpaid officer with full warranted powers, usually working alongside regular officers on a rota basis.
Special Constable route →Student Officer
A recruit undergoing initial training (PCDA, DHEP or PCEP) who has not yet been attested as a constable.
Superintendent (Supt)
Commands a Basic Command Unit (BCU) or major department; holds statutory authorisation powers (e.g. Section 60 stop and search).
Section 60 powers →Specialist Units & Roles
Departments and tactical specialisms an officer can move into after joining as a constable.
Armed Response Vehicle (ARV)
A marked vehicle crewed by AFOs providing armed cover across a wider area than a static firearms post.
AFO/ARV role explained →Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO)
An officer trained and licensed to carry firearms on duty, requalifying regularly to retain the permit.
AFO/ARV role explained →Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officer (CTSFO)
The highest firearms tactical tier, trained for marauding terrorist attacks and the most demanding physical/tactical standard in UK policing (JRFT Level 10.5+).
Specialist fitness standards →Crime Scene Investigator (CSI / SOCO)
Forensic staff (often police staff rather than warranted officers) who recover and record physical evidence from crime scenes.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
The plain-clothes investigative branch that handles most non-uniform crime investigation.
Dedicated Roads Policing Unit (DRPU)
A force's dedicated traffic/roads policing team, distinct from response officers who happen to attend collisions.
Dog Handler (PD (Police Dog))
An officer who lives with and cares for an operational police dog, deploying it for tracking, searching or public order support.
Dog Handler role explained →Family Liaison Officer (FLO)
A specially trained officer who is the main point of contact for the family of a victim, usually in homicide or major investigations.
Firearms Cadre
The pool of officers within a force who hold a current firearms authorisation.
Forensic Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU)
Specialist officers who reconstruct fatal or serious road traffic collisions for court proceedings.
Marine Unit
Specialist waterborne officers patrolling rivers, docks and coastal waters.
Mounted Branch
Horse-mounted officers used mainly for public order, ceremonial duties and high-visibility patrol.
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
A joint unit of police, social services and health staff who triage safeguarding referrals together.
National Police Air Service (NPAS)
The national body providing helicopter and fixed-wing air support to forces in England and Wales.
Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)
Local, geographically-based officers and PCSOs focused on community engagement and low-level crime/ASB.
Police Support Unit (PSU)
A trained public order serial (usually one sergeant and up to ten constables) deployable for disorder, protests or major events.
Public Protection Unit (PPU)
Investigates domestic abuse, child protection, sexual offences and other vulnerability-led crime.
Response Officer
A uniformed constable who answers 999/101 calls as they come in, as opposed to a specialist or investigative role.
Roads Policing Unit (RPU)
A specialist unit focused on collision investigation, pursuit-trained response and enforcement on the strategic road network.
Roads Policing role explained →Specialist Firearms Officer (SFO)
An AFO trained to a higher tactical tier than standard ARV, deployed against more serious armed threats.
Tactical Firearms Commander
A senior officer (Bronze/Silver/Gold) who authorises and directs an armed deployment, distinct from the AFOs carrying it out.
Territorial Support Group (TSG)
London's dedicated public order and proactive policing unit; other forces run equivalent units under different names.
Legislation & Legal Powers
The Acts, sections and codes candidates and officers hear referenced constantly on the street and in court.
Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)
A court order imposing conditions on an individual convicted of an offence, to prevent further anti-social or criminal behaviour.
Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA)
Sets out the disclosure regime — the duty to record, retain and disclose material gathered during an investigation.
Domestic Violence Protection Notice / Order (DVPN / DVPO)
A short-term police notice, followed by a court order, that can remove a perpetrator from the home to protect a victim before any charge is brought.
PACE Codes of Practice
Codes A–H setting out the detailed rules for exercising PACE powers (Code A: stop and search, Code C: detention, Code G: arrest, etc.).
PACE Codes explained →Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
The core statute governing police powers of stop, search, arrest, detention and interview in England and Wales.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA)
Provides powers to restrain, confiscate and recover assets derived from criminal conduct.
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
Governs covert surveillance, use of informants and communications data access by police and other public bodies.
Right to Search on Arrest — GoWISELY
Mnemonic officers use to satisfy the legal grounds required before searching a person: Grounds, Warrant card, Identity, Station, Entitlement to a copy of the search record, Legal power used, You are detained for the search.
GoWISELY protocol explained →Section 1 PACE
Gives police the power to stop and search a person or vehicle for stolen or prohibited articles.
Section 1 PACE explained →Section 136 Mental Health Act 1983
Allows police to remove a person who appears to have a mental disorder and needs immediate care from a public place to a place of safety.
Section 136 explained →Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The specific power to stop and search a person on suspicion of possessing controlled drugs.
Section 23 MDA explained →Section 24 PACE
Sets out the general power of arrest without warrant, subject to the necessity criteria.
Section 24 PACE explained →Section 24A PACE
The citizen's (any-person's) power of arrest, narrower than the police power under Section 24.
Citizen's arrest explained →Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act
An authorised, suspicion-independent stop and search power used to prevent anticipated serious violence in a defined area and time.
Section 60 explained →Section 78 PACE
Allows a court to exclude evidence if admitting it would have an unfair effect on proceedings.
Section 78 PACE explained →The PACE Clock
The 24-hour (extendable to 36, then 96 with magistrates' approval) statutory detention clock that starts when a suspect arrives at the police station.
PACE clock explained →Use of Force
The legal framework (principally the Criminal Law Act 1967 s.3 and Human Rights Act) governing when and how much force an officer may lawfully use.
Use of force rules explained →Custody, Charge & Investigation
What happens between arrest and court, and the systems officers use to record and progress a case.
Achieving Best Evidence Interview (ABE)
A specially conducted, often video-recorded interview format used for vulnerable witnesses and victims, particularly children.
ACRO Criminal Records Office
The national policing body that manages criminal record checks, DBS-related processes and international record exchange.
Booking In
The formal process of a detainee's arrival at custody: risk assessment, rights and entitlements, and property seizure.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
The independent body that decides whether to charge in most cases and prosecutes on behalf of the state.
Custody Sergeant
The sergeant responsible for authorising and reviewing detention, independent of the investigating officers.
Disclosure / Unused Material
The duty to identify and disclose material gathered during an investigation that was not used in evidence but might undermine the prosecution or assist the defence.
Full Code Test
The CPS's two-stage charging test: is there a realistic prospect of conviction, and is prosecution in the public interest.
MG Forms
Standardised 'Manual of Guidance' forms used throughout an investigation and prosecution file (e.g. MG3 charging decision, MG5 case summary, MG11 witness statement).
NICHE / Athena
Two of the main records management systems used by UK forces to log crimes, incidents and case files (which one a force uses depends on its regional collaboration).
Police Bail
Release from custody subject to conditions and/or a date to return, used less often than RUI since the 2017 reforms.
Police bail explained →Police National Computer (PNC)
The national database of criminal records, warrants, vehicle and other operational data accessible to police forces.
Police National Database (PND)
A separate national system for sharing local intelligence and non-conviction information between forces.
Released Under Investigation (RUI)
Release without bail conditions or a fixed return date while the investigation continues.
RUI explained →Section 9 Statement
A witness statement made under the Criminal Justice Act 1967 s.9, admissible in evidence without the witness attending court if uncontested.
Taken Into Consideration (TIC)
Additional offences a defendant admits and asks the court to take into account at sentencing, without being separately charged.
Voluntary Interview
An interview under caution conducted without arrest, at a time and place agreed with the interviewee.
Voluntary interview explained →Vetting, Conduct & Oversight
How integrity, misconduct and external scrutiny are handled inside policing.
Accelerated Misconduct Hearing
A fast-track hearing process used where the case against an officer is so clear it does not need a full investigation first.
Accelerated hearings explained →College of Policing
The professional body that sets standards, guidance (Authorised Professional Practice) and qualifications for policing in England and Wales.
Developed Vetting (DV)
The highest routine clearance level, required for the most sensitive roles (e.g. some firearms, covert or counter-terrorism posts).
Gross Misconduct
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour serious enough that dismissal is a realistic outcome if proven.
Gross misconduct explained →HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)
The independent body that inspects and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of every force.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
The independent body overseeing the most serious complaints and conduct matters, including deaths and serious injuries following police contact.
Management Vetting (MV)
A higher clearance level for roles with access to more sensitive material or systems.
Misconduct Hearing
A formal, usually public, hearing for gross misconduct allegations, normally chaired by a Legally Qualified Chair.
Misconduct in Public Office
A common law criminal offence (distinct from internal misconduct) that can apply to officers who wilfully abuse the public trust placed in their office.
Misconduct in public office explained →Misconduct Meeting
A less formal, non-public hearing for conduct that does not meet the gross misconduct threshold.
National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)
The body coordinating national operational policing matters across forces, distinct from the College of Policing's standard-setting role.
Police Advisory List
A related register for those under investigation or who resigned/retired before a finding was reached.
Police Barred List
The national register of officers and staff dismissed for gross misconduct, barring them from re-joining policing.
Barred List explained →Professional Standards Department (PSD)
The internal department in each force that investigates complaints and misconduct allegations.
Recruitment Vetting (RV)
Baseline vetting clearance required for most policing roles.
Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP)
A learning-focused (non-disciplinary) process used for lower-level performance or conduct issues.
Regulation 13
The Police Regulations 2003 provision governing dismissal of a probationer for unsatisfactory performance, distinct from the misconduct process.
Regulation 13 explained →Security Check (SC)
A national security clearance level, above RV/MV, used for roles requiring access to more sensitive government material.
Standards of Professional Behaviour
The ten behavioural standards (honesty and integrity, use of force, confidentiality, etc.) all officers are held to.
The ten standards explained →Vetting
The background integrity check every officer, staff member and volunteer undergoes before appointment and periodically thereafter.
Vetting explained →Pay, Pension & HR
Terms that appear on payslips, in pension statements and in HR correspondence.
Acting Up
Temporarily performing the duties of a higher rank, usually attracting the pay of that rank while it lasts.
Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE)
The pension calculation basis used by the 2015 police pension scheme, replacing final salary for most officers.
Competency and Values Framework (CVF)
The national framework describing the behaviours expected of officers at every rank, used in recruitment, PDRs and promotion.
Dog Handler Allowance
A national, pensionable allowance compensating handlers for the 24/7 responsibility of caring for an operational dog at home.
Dog Handler pay →Essential Car User Allowance
An allowance for officers required to use their own vehicle for duty, alongside a mileage rate.
Ill-Health Retirement (Tier 1 / Tier 2)
Early pension access on medical grounds: Tier 1 (accrued pension only) if unfit for police work but fit for other employment; Tier 2 (accrued pension plus enhancement) if unfit for any regular employment.
Ill-health retirement explained →Injury Award
A separate, tax-free award under the Injury Benefit Regulations 2006 for permanent disablement caused by an injury on duty.
London Weighting
A location allowance paid to officers serving in the Metropolitan and City of London forces to offset the higher cost of living.
London Weighting explained →National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF)
The national framework of exams and assessment for promotion to Sergeant and Inspector.
Pension Commutation
Exchanging part of an annual pension for a larger up-front tax-free lump sum.
Performance Development Review (PDR)
The annual appraisal process used to assess an officer's performance against objectives and the Competency and Values Framework.
South East Allowance
A regional retention allowance paid by several forces around London to remain competitive on pay.
All allowances explained →Training & Entry Routes
The qualifications and pathways candidates and new officers encounter before and during probation.
Civilian Investigator
A non-warranted, police-staff investigative role, trained to PIP standards without holding the office of constable.
Civilian Investigator explained →Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
A two-year accelerated entry route for candidates who already hold a degree.
Direct Entry Detective (DEDC)
A route into policing that places recruits on an investigative pathway from the outset rather than through general uniform duties first.
Direct Entry Detective explained →Independent Patrol Status (IPS)
The point in probation at which an officer is signed off to patrol alone without a tutor constable.
Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT)
The 15-metre 'bleep test' shuttle run used at recruitment and for annual/specialist fitness requalification.
Bleep test levels explained →Officer Safety Training (OST)
Mandatory training in personal safety tactics, restraint and use of approved equipment (PAVA, baton, handcuffs).
Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
The national recruitment assessment stage covering a competency-based interview, written exercise and briefing exercise.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
The three-year entry route combining probationer training with a funded policing degree.
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
A two-year, non-degree vocational entry route.
PCEP explained →Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF)
The national framework underpinning all current entry routes and their portfolios of evidence.
Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP)
The national framework of investigative accreditation levels, from PIP1 (volume crime) to PIP4 (senior investigating officer on the most serious cases).
Tutor Constable
An experienced officer formally accredited to mentor a student officer through their tutor phase.
General Jargon & Everyday Terms
Informal but common terms you will hear on shift, in briefings and around a station.
Attestation
The formal declaration a new constable makes before a magistrate, from which point they legally hold the office of constable and gain full police powers.
Beat
A specific patrol area an officer is responsible for.
Blues and Twos
Slang for driving on blue lights and siren under emergency response exemptions.
Duty Solicitor
A solicitor available free of charge to advise anyone detained at a police station who does not have their own legal representation.
Nick
Slang for a police station, or for arresting someone ('to nick' someone).
Op [Name]
The convention of naming police operations and investigations (e.g. 'Operation X') for internal reference and record-keeping.
Refs
Refreshment break — an officer's meal break during a shift.
Section House
Force-provided accommodation, historically common in London, for single officers early in their careers.
Shout
An incident or call for service officers are sent to.
Stop Check
A voluntary, consensual encounter recorded for intelligence purposes, distinct from a legal stop and search.
The Job
Common shorthand officers use for policing as a profession — 'in the job' means serving.
Warrant Card
The official identification card proving an individual's office and powers as a constable.
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Want the full rank-by-rank breakdown?
From Constable to Chief: identification, authority and pay for every rank.
Police Ranks Explained →What do the badges and insignia mean?
Epaulette pips, crowns and force badges, decoded.
Badges & Insignia Explained →Police Pay (UK) is an independent resource, not affiliated with any police force, the College of Policing or the Home Office. Definitions are written for general orientation; always refer to primary legislation, Authorised Professional Practice or your own force's policy for anything operational or legal.