Fugitive Unit or Fugitives Unit?

Posted by David FG June 13, 2006In reply to Fugitive Unit or Fugitives Unit? posted by RRC on June 13, 2006

Many police forces carry out the function of locating Fugitives. Should such a function be referred to as a Fugitive Unit or Fugitives Unit?

In my opinion it should be 'Fugitives' Unit': it is the unit charged with locating fugitives. 'Fugitive Unit' sounds like it is the unit itself which is the fugitive.

However, I am aware that government departments do not always pay the greatest attention to the niceties of usage.

DFG

Surely "Fugitives' Unit" would belong to fugitives rather that be a unit for fugitives? I vote for "Fugitives Unit". The next person will probably say it should be "Fugitive(s) Unit" so that a single fugitive may be captured as well as groups of fugitives. (^_^)

Yes, sorry: the aberrant apostrophe crept in there by accident!

DFG