The correct spelling of "police record" is /pəˈliːs ˈrekɔːd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a weak stress and a schwa sound. The second syllable has a strong stress and the long "ee" sound. The final syllable has a weak stress and is pronounced with an open "o" sound followed by the "r" and the short "uh" sound. A police record is a document containing information about a person's past interactions with law enforcement agencies. It is often used in background checks and legal proceedings.
A police record refers to an official documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies that contains detailed information about an individual's involvement in criminal activities or any interactions with the police. Also known as a criminal record, it is a comprehensive collection of data that includes both criminal charges and convictions, as well as any instances where an individual has been questioned or arrested by the police.
This record is crucial for law enforcement agencies as it serves as a historical account of an individual's criminal history and legal interactions. It typically includes personal details such as full name, aliases, address, date of birth, physical description, and fingerprints. Additionally, it contains information related to the nature of the offense, the date and time of arrest, the arresting officer, and the jurisdiction where the incident took place.
Police records are generated whenever an individual is involved in criminal activities, whether as a suspect, witness, or victim. These records are updated as new incidents occur and can be accessed by authorized personnel, such as police officers, investigators, and court officials, to aid in ongoing investigations, background checks, or legal proceedings.
It is important to note that a police record can have serious implications for an individual's personal and professional life, as it may influence job prospects, housing opportunities, or eligibility for certain licenses or permits. Expungement, in some jurisdictions, is a legal process that allows individuals to have their police records sealed or erased to mitigate the social and economic impacts that may arise from a past criminal history.
The word "police record" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "police" originates from the French word "Police", which can be traced back to the Latin word "politia" meaning "civil administration". In the late Middle Ages, "police" referred to the government organization responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and preventing and detecting criminal activities.
The word "record" comes from the Latin word "recordari", meaning "to call to mind, remember". In English, "record" refers to a written account or documentation that preserves information.
When combined, "police record" refers to a written documentation or official account maintained by the police about an individual's criminal activities, arrests, convictions, or any interactions with law enforcement agencies. It is a historical account of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system.