In US English at least, it’s also a very common abbreviation for “convict” as in a convicted criminal. Although one would likely see more of those in a prison or being lead out of a courtroom, I’m sure a typical police station has plenty of repeat offenders.
Even if we take that definition though the joke isn’t really good though. Why would the police need drawings of convicts? Drawings are used when the police don’t know who committed a crime.
The definition for con is broad enough to encompass anyone with any relation to having done crime. They don’t have to be convicted. Ex-con, though, does require conviction and serving out the sentence.
In US English at least, it’s also a very common abbreviation for “convict” as in a convicted criminal. Although one would likely see more of those in a prison or being lead out of a courtroom, I’m sure a typical police station has plenty of repeat offenders.
I’ve never heard con as short for convict, but I also don’t hang out with police very much. I don’t think I would call it common usage though
Edit: I take this back slightly, I have heard of excons in place of exconvicts, but not ‘cons’ or con on its own.
A con is fairly common parlance for a career criminal. I’m surprised you’ve never heard it used that way.
Even if we take that definition though the joke isn’t really good though. Why would the police need drawings of convicts? Drawings are used when the police don’t know who committed a crime.
The definition for con is broad enough to encompass anyone with any relation to having done crime. They don’t have to be convicted. Ex-con, though, does require conviction and serving out the sentence.
Can you give an example sentence for ‘cons’? “This city is full of cons.” “Some cons came and stole a cig right out of my mouth.” Something like that?