Copspeak

by Tom Philbin

From the "git-go" until the case is "cleared," law enforcement officials--and the criminals they pursue--have a language all their own. In CopSpeak, Tom Philbin sets the record straight with a fun, factual, and fascinating compilation that's part dictionary, part encyclopedia, and all entertaining. From "Abe" (five dollars' worth of illegal drugs) to "zombie" (a police officer who works at night), CopSpeak is "phat" (cool). Take a "taste" (sampling):

SHANK

A knife or other sharp instrument used by prison inmates.

Prisoners are ingenious at making shanks. They have been constructed from everything from a metal bed slat to a toothbrush handle in which a razor is embedded. "At any given time," said one ex-convict, "there's enough shanks in a prison to open a cutlery factory."

244 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 1995

About the author

Tom Philbin is a writer of numerous books and has also written articles for a variety of magazines, including Parade, Woman's Day, and Reader's Digest. He lives in Centerport, New York.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Invaluable information about the world of law enforcement and would be a great addition to any writer's library.