student asking question

What does "perp" mean? Can I use "suspect" instead of "perp"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Perp" is slang for perpetrator (of a crime). It is usually only used by police. To refer to suspected criminals, you should use "suspect," which is the formal and official term. Ex: We just got a call. The perp that got away has been spotted. Ex: Let's send an officer to bring back the perp.

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