secret police

noun

1. a police force that functions as the enforcement arm of a government's political policies and whose activities, which often include surveillance, intimidation, and physical violence as a means of suppressing dissent, are usually concealed from the public.

secret police

noun

1. a police force that operates relatively secretly to check subversion or political dissent

Word History and Origins

Origin of secret police¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

A former East German secret police officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for murdering a Polish man attempting to flee to West Berlin 50 years ago.

From BBC

In his new role, Mr Cabello will be in charge of Venezuela's feared secret police, as well as the National Guard.

From BBC

A journalist working for Venezuelan opposition news site La Patilla has been detained by the country's secret police.

From BBC

Maduro’s government has arrested more than 2,000 people without trial since election day; deployed Russian Wagner group mercenaries, Cuban secret police and other forces; and promised to send critics to “reeducation camps.”

From Los Angeles Times

Like those in the 1940s, the invaders have set up new administrations in occupied lands, seized grain and other resources, sent in secret police, abducted community members and instilled torture and fear.

From New York Times