police force

[ puh-lees fawrs ]

noun

1. Often the force or the Force. the police, an organized civil force for enforcing laws.

Word History and Origins

Origin of police force¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The boss of the UK's largest police force has warned it faces "eye-watering cuts" to services unless ministers increase its funding.

From BBC

Many officers who spoke with The Times said that they use the site regularly, sometimes on a daily basis, to look up colleagues in the sprawling 8,700-officer police force.

From Los Angeles Times

Cycling UK wants to change the perception bike theft was a "petty crime" and for police forces to take it more seriously.

From BBC

The police force — once almost all white — has become more than half Latino, much like the ethnically diverse city it patrols.

From Los Angeles Times

The complex trial involved multiple European nations and police forces, and generated 67 tonnes of paperwork.

From BBC

Related Words

• force
• police
• security force