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.
Separately, a group of student, parent and union activists continues to call for the elimination of the school police force — which a different and large contingent of parents wants to maintain and even expand. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 Reitz lent the university police force to the effort and helped subjugate the rights of Florida’s students and faculty. David Niven, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025 Ex-Caldwell Police Lt. Benjamin Heinrich filed a $500,000 tort claim against the city of Caldwell, the Caldwell Police Department, and several high-ranking members of the police force, including Ingram. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 20 June 2025 These legal documents, essentially city constitutions, enable municipalities to retain greater control over some local concerns related to the city police force, city administration, city elections and bidding processes for public contracts. Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Police force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20force. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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