flying squad

American  

noun

1. a trained, mobile group of police officers, business executives, labor officials, or the like, capable of performing specialized tasks whenever or wherever sent, often for use in emergencies.

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flying squad British  

noun

1. a small group of police, soldiers, etc, ready to move into action quickly

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Etymology

Origin of flying squad

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, replied asking if the bird was part of "special branch" or the "flying squad".

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2024

After his grandmother said yes, Noah told the crew member, “I hope you’re happy, bringing memories of flying squad into my house.”

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2022

One source in the Turin flying squad describes Mocciola as a Scarlet Pimpernel: he hasn’t used a phone for years.

From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2016

Secret Service, a flying squad of SCI specialists is ready to swoop in for the next one, says Lisa Marshall, the managing director for corporate communications.

From BusinessWeek • Oct. 24, 2013

The news had just been received at the headquarters of the flying squad to which Tom and Jack were attached.

From Air Service Boys in the Big Battle Or, Silencing the Big Guns by Beach, Charles Amory