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Are all law enforcement officers considered cops or just police officers?

I always only considered police officers 'cops' but lately some people I know have been reffering to all Law enforcement officers as 'cops'. What do you guys think?

10 Answers

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  • 2 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Cops isn't an official term.

    All police officers are law enforcement officers, but not all law enforcement officers of police officers.

  • 2 years ago

    Cops technically means beat patrolmen.

    Because they had big copper buttons on uniforms.

    It can be used for any kind of peace officer.

    When George ("Machine-Gun") Kelly caught by FBI's Melvin Purvis, he cried " Dont shoot, G-Men!". He called them Government Men.

  • Anonymous
    2 years ago

    The ones with the copper buttons...

  • ?
    Lv 7
    2 years ago

    Depends on Country. We have police officers here were I live. Great bunch. In America they have cops & may other descriptive names they call the things.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    2 years ago

    All three terms are interchangeable

    Cops are police officers are law enforcement officers but not all law enforcement officers are police officers

  • 2 years ago

    Technically, it's not even all police officers, but there's no universal agreement on who it is.

    One theory is that "cop" is an acronym for "constable on patrol", which would mean it is only those who (1) have the rank of constable, and (2) patrol (excluding those with desk jobs).

    Another theory is that "cop" means a person with a copper badge, which would include only those who served when badges were still made from copper.

    Another theory is that it means "a person who tries to get criminals to 'cop' (confess) to crimes".

  • 2 years ago

    By other law enforcement officers, I'm reffering to correctional officers, court officers, DEA officers, homeland security officers etc.

  • Anonymous
    2 years ago

    Same difference. Sheriffs/deputies have more jurisdiction. But are often referred to as cops as well.

    The sheriffs department polices the entire county. Where as police departments are for separate cities.

  • 2 years ago

    All Law Enforcement Officers are considered to be COPS.

  • Cogito
    Lv 7
    2 years ago

    What other people are 'law enforcement officers'? I don't know what you mean by that. Examples, please?

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