Law Enforcement Glossary
Quick definitions for the most common terms visitors see while filing reports, requesting records, or checking custody and case status.
CRN
Case Report Number, the unique identifier assigned to a police report.
FOIA
Freedom of Information Act. Often used broadly, though state and local requests usually follow state public records laws.
Jurisdiction
The legal area or authority an agency covers.
Non-Emergency Line
The department phone number used for incidents that do not require immediate dispatch.
Booking
The jail intake process after an arrest, including fingerprints and records creation.
Records Division
The department unit that handles report copies, records requests, and related administrative tasks.
Use the Directory with Confidence
Now that you know the terminology, find the correct agency, records portal, or reporting path for your jurisdiction.