corporal abbreviation police

How do you abbreviate corporal? There are two ways to abbreviate corporal, though it would only occur in a specialized environment.

They are,

• Corp.
• Cpl.

For example,

• Corp. Matthews

The first abbreviation above is found in Science and Genealogy. Cpl. is the abbreviation used in the Military. Otherwise, there is no abbreviation for the common definition of the word as defined below.

When to Use This Abbreviation

This abbreviation is usually found in branches of the Army, Air force, Marines, police departments, and generally wherever a regiment of ranking members exist. You might abbreviate the word corporal to cpl. on a nameplate. It is also common to see such abbreviations in headlines or newspaper titles where space is a concern.

Outside of professional titles or headlines, the word is not abbreviated in general prose.

What Does Corporal Mean?

Definition of Corporal: Corporal is defined as of, relating to, or affecting the body.

For example,

• Grandma started to suffer the corporal ailments that come with advancing age.
• In many Middle East countries corporal punishment is meted out to those who dare oppose the rule of government.

The word corporal functions as an adjective in the sentence.

Outside Examples of Corporal

• 19 states still allow corporal punishment in school. –The Washington Post

• During the event, the faithful have been urged to practice seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy, which were first outlined in the Gospel and articulated over centuries by philosophers and theologians. –The Los Angeles Times

 Breaking Down 8 Different Law Enforcement Positions

If law enforcement was like any other career, you could expect to start your career as a police assistant, become a police officer, eventually move up to police manager and maybe, if everything breaks the right way, someday move into the position of police CEO.

Of course, “police CEO” isn’t a real job title. Chief of police, however, is a very real title—along with other exciting but potentially confusing titles, like police corporal and police captain. If you’re a little lost on what these titles mean and where they fit into the hierarchy of police ranks, then you’ve come to the right place.

Generally speaking, rising through the ranks of law enforcement will sound more like military promotions than the kind of promotions you see in most other occupations. If you are familiar with that hierarchy of authority, these police ranks will sound pretty recognizable. If not, don’t fear. We will break down the police ranking structure, along with some qualities that define each position.

Police ranks and hierarchy at a glance

Before we get started, it’s important to note that the naming conventions and rank structures of law enforcement agencies aren’t all uniform. Federal agencies have their own structures while local law enforcement organizations can vary depending on the community served.

Police Technicians

They are entry-level employees who may be probationary police officers or civilians filling a specific role. You might compare them to administrative assistants in a sense, as they are typically in charge of organizing and maintaining paperwork, managing records and providing general assistance to the officers in the department.

You’ll see a technician when you visit a police station to make a report, for instance, or if you need to pay a fine or citation. In some communities, police technicians do double duty as parking enforcement or assist with traffic control.

Patrol Officers, Detectives and Wardens

These are the people we most often think of when we think of the police. The term police officer actually encompasses several different titles, including patrol officer, detective and warden, but they are all the same rank.

Depending on where they work, the actual responsibilities for each title varies. A patrol officer, for example, provides general law enforcement assistance by responding to emergency and non-emergency calls or patrolling a designated area to watch for criminal activity. These officers can conduct traffic stops, make arrests or get warrants, and conduct searches. They are also involved with investigations and preparing cases for court, and they will testify as needed.

Detectives are usually the same rank as officers, but they are typically assigned to specific cases to conduct investigations and collect evidence. They may wear uniforms or plain clothes, and they may work undercover. Most detectives specialize in specific types of cases.

Like detectives, wardens and transit officers also provide specialized law enforcement. Fish and game wardens enforce hunting, fishing and boating laws and focus their attention on the outdoors. Transit officers protect railroad and transportation systems, thwarting crimes like theft and trespassing.

To become any type of police officer, you need at least a high school diploma, and in most cases, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework and training in law enforcement. Candidates also complete police academy training before becoming eligible for employment. To become a detective, additional training is required and most have several years of experience as an officer before earning that position.

Corporals

The next police rank is corporal. They are first line supervisors, overseeing police officers on a police force or within a specific squad or unit; for example, a corporal might direct the activities of the traffic and parking enforcement squad. Second in command to police sergeants, corporals fulfill the sergeant’s duties when they are absent. Corporals respond to police calls and perform law enforcement duties, but they also oversee a range of administrative functions, including performing roll call, staff planning, officer evaluations and training, and communication.

The title of corporal is typically given as a promotion to an officer who has displayed leadership and exemplary performance. For example, in Albemarle County, Virginia, the rank of corporal requires at least three years of experience as an officer, as well as education and experience equivalent to at least 30 college credits; however, a college degree is preferred, especially in a related field.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)

Since 1990, the non commissioned officer’ rank insignia has been embroidered on the epaulette slip ons and continue to be based on British army patterns.

Commissioned Officers

The three badges of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that indicate the commissioned ranks are: A crown, a star and a crossed sword and baton. Depending on the dress, the badges are worn on slip‑ons, shoulder boards, or directly on the epaulettes.

Other Ranks