Where/ when did the word cop become another name for the police? Isn't it a sarcastic way of addressing them?!

Answer 1

To the best of my knowlege, the term Cop came from the UK and was a mnemonic for "Constable of the Public" (COP).

I see that others here have answered that the abbreviation means/meant "Constable on Patrol." I do not know this use; but historically (having been inside and researched Police activity in the UK) I have come across the "Constable of the Public" term/descriptor often.

Hope this helps!

Whatever it means -- let's all remember that most of these men and women are brave, intelligent,compassionate people dedicated to helping others during some of life's worst moments.

These men and women deserve our respect and appreciation.

Of course there are a few "bad apples" in every bunch -- but they are rare -- and not what most cops like to see beside them as partners.

Answer 2

There is some truth to the other answers that COP is an acronym for "Constable on Patrol". It was in the early days of English law that Constables would make rounds at night and hang a sign on the door that read "Constable on Patrol".

COP is also associated with the Latin word "capere" meaning to seize or snatch or the gypsy word Kap and Cop meaning to take. In the 19th century, "to cop" meant to snatch grab or arrest hence the word "cop" or "copper". It has also been associated with the copper badges that were issued to early police officers. From the same root came the term "to cop a plea" and to "cop out".

Answer 3

The first police force began to patrol in the summer of 1845, they only badges on their civilian clothing. The badges were 8 pointed stars with the seal of the City at the center and were made of stamped copper. The newspapers of the time referred to the new force as the "Star Police" but people seeing the shiny copper shields began to call the new force "Coppers" which was later shortened to "Cops."
There is also a British police term; Constable On Patrol which may account for the term "cops" in England as well.

Answer 4

The police in reality have the right to 'call for' your information in certain eventualities. The can 'ask' all people yet you do have a suitable to refuse. on your celebration of being chased or throwing a snow ball at window then they could 'call for' as there is sufficient to suspect you replaced into committing any offence. in case you refuse they could arrest you for obstructing a police officer or maybe perverting the approach justice. in case you're merely strolling down the line and then ask you on your information with out providing you with a proof of you they are asking then you absolutely can refuse. there is one exception to this, e.g an representation or your strolling by a area that has a situation with crime, i.e large quantity of street robberies or ASBO subject matters then they could have the ability to 'call for' your information if this power has been granted by ability of an inspector or above, said as a area 60. adventure

Answer 5

Cop is short for copper and has nothing to do with the metal of their badges. It was coined in the gangster days of the 20's and is made in reference to Websters definition of "one who steals" as these traitors were even more notorious criminals than members of non-government based crime organizations.

And yes, the word "cop" is meant in a derogatory way but, so was yankee. If the letters are an acronym for anything it would be criminals on patrol.

What i think is really wrong is to refer to them as "pigs", not only is this unfair its completely untrue! There are so few similarities between them, real pigs are clean, inteligent and pleasant to be around and technically a pig becomes a hog at 100lbs. when did you ever see one of these lazy, doughnut sucking traitors weigh in at less? Oh, i guess their is one similarity, they do closely resemble a pigs crap but other than that these wounderful farm animals deserve alot more respect than to be reduced to the similarity of a tratorous, alien butt-sucking mutant!

Answer 6

not only the copper buttons, but, the term COP is also said to reference Constable On Patrol..... now, i dont know if this is actually true, but it does make sense, well it does to to me anyway

Answer 7

based on the old "copper" buttons of their uniforms