police force

noun

: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime

Examples of police force in a Sentence

He joined the local police force. mobilized practically the entire police force to track down the escaped criminal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Department of Justice has reached a reform deal with the Louisville Police Department following a probe into the city's police force prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, officials announced this week. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 One idea Selleck was pitched was Frank retiring, moving up north and running a small police force. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024 But just as Tomás acclimates to his new life, he is asked by his former boss (and then threatened by state police forces) to essentially become an informant. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 Its people and institutions have mounted a committed response to the drug menace through education, treatment programs and the dogged work of the city’s police force. Michelle Weber, Longreads, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for police force 

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of police force was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near police force

Cite this Entry

“Police force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20force. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

police force

noun
: a body of officers trained and entrusted by a government to keep public peace, enforce laws, and prevent and detect crime

Legal Definition

police force

noun
: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime

More from Merriam-Webster on police force

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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