Your cart is currently empty!
14 Must-Know Insights for Understanding Cop Shows
If you feel a sense of déjà vu while watching that gripping 9 p.m. police procedural, you might just be a victim of what I like to call petechial hemorrhagitis. It’s that irresistible urge to dive into a one-hour crime drama where the cases are intense, the detectives are even more intense, and the forensic findings get wrapped up in a tidy little package within minutes. It’s the perfect escape from the chaos of daily life—work stress, family demands, and the never-ending pile of bills. Being a fan of shows like Castle or CSI gives you a taste of the action, almost like being part of the squad. And hey, knowing the lingo only enhances the experience! Here’s your go-to glossary for police procedurals:
- Petechial Hemorrhaging
This term kicks off our list. It refers to tiny red or purple spots on the skin caused by broken capillaries. In the world of forensics, it’s often a sign of strangulation and becomes a key clue that helps crack a case wide open. It’s a fancy way of saying “broken blood vessels,” but it sounds impressive! - LUDs
LUDs, or Local Usage Details, are like little digital breadcrumbs. They reveal a suspect’s phone records, usually leading to a burner phone, a secret affair, or a hidden family. Just a heads up: in the real world, accessing these records requires a warrant—so it’s not as easy as depicted on screen. - Vic/Perp
Short for victim and perpetrator. The vic usually has a secret life (think accountant by day, criminal mastermind by night), while the perp is often the first recognizable face interviewed in the investigation. - “Have uniforms canvass the block.”
This means patrol officers go door-to-door asking neighbors if they saw or heard anything related to the crime. Spoiler: they rarely have useful info unless someone drops a racist comment. - “Run it through the system.”
Whether it’s AFIS or CODIS, the system will produce a match quickly—usually to someone with a shady past. In reality, this process takes much longer and requires more human effort. - “Put out a BOLO”
Once known as an APB (All-Points Bulletin), a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) is broadcasted to alert officers about a suspect or a missing person. Disappointingly, it’s not as exciting as it sounds. - Rigor/Time of Death
Rigor mortis helps establish the time of death, which is crucial for creating timelines and narrowing down suspects—especially when hidden motives come to light. - GSR/GSW
Gunshot residue and gunshot wound. GSR is found on a suspect’s hands, while GSW refers to how most characters meet their end. TV opts for more dramatic deaths like strangulation or stabbing for added flair. - A Partial
This refers to a partial fingerprint, indicating the suspect touched something and was perhaps foolish enough to leave behind evidence. But don’t worry—this usually means they’re innocent of the crime they’re being accused of. - The Feds/Local PD
There’s often rivalry between federal agents and local police. Depending on your favorite show, you might lean one way or the other—just know that both sides are portrayed as having their issues. - Unsub
Short for “unknown subject,” this term gained popularity from Criminal Minds. It sounds cool, but it’s just another way to say they haven’t identified the suspect yet. - Tox Screen
A toxicology screening is often the reason detectives rush to the autopsy room to hear the results while standing over a body. In reality, these tests can take weeks to process, far longer than what you see on screen. - Blood Spatter
Crime scene photos are rarely as neat as they appear on TV. Real life is chaotic, and blood spatter is messy, making it harder to gather evidence. - “Stop. Right there. Can you get in closer?”
The classic moment when detectives enhance grainy video footage to identify a suspect. In reality, grainy images remain grainy, despite what tech-savvy characters might say.
This list offers just a glimpse into the world of cop shows, but it’s enough to get you started. Now grab your remote, settle in, and enjoy the magic of your favorite series! And don’t stress if you don’t memorize all the terms—the bad guy always gets caught eventually.
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at CCRM IVF. If you’re exploring options, you may want to look at this home insemination kit for practical advice and tools. And for more tips on the topic, visit this post.