policing

American  

[puh-lee-sing] / pəˈli sɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of maintaining public order and security, enforcing the law, or regulating or controlling something, by or as if by members of a police force.

   No matter what style is adopted for the policing of a community, officers must use discretion in interpreting the activities of citizens.

   Careful family use of the internet doesn't need to be a punitive policing of children's activities online.

2. Military. the act of cleaning up a camp or post or of keeping it clean.

   After the major’s visit, the policing of the entire camp and all the fighting positions improved 100 percent.

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Other Word Forms

• self-policing adjective

Etymology

Origin of policing

First recorded in 1830–40; police ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The first minister's official spokesman later said that John Swinney had full confidence in Prof McQueen in her current role as chairwoman of the Scottish Police Authority, a public body that oversees policing.

From BBC

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said pressure on UK-wide policing resources meant the investigation could not go ahead.

From BBC

She said "local schools, the NHS and policing" were among her key issues.

From BBC

Det Supt Tony Bellis, responsible for local policing in Brent, said: "An incident of this nature is tragic and deeply concerning, and our thoughts remain with the victim's family, friends and all those affected."

From BBC

Security arrangements and policing strategies for European matches are developed via a combination of host clubs, national governments, local authorities and regional police forces, with input from Uefa, who run the competitions.

From BBC

Related Words

• police
• police force