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law enforcement officer

American  
[law en-fawrs-muhnt aw-fuh-ser, of-uh-ser] / ˈlɔ ɛnˌfɔrs mənt ˌɔ fə sər, ˌɒf ə sər /

noun

  1. a government employee whose main duties involve preventing, detecting, or punishing violations of the law; police officers, state troopers, sheriffs, rangers, etc., when considered collectively. LEO


Etymology

Origin of law enforcement officer

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This woman was in her vehicle and was blocking the roadway on Portland Avenue. ... At some point a federal law enforcement officer approached her on foot and the vehicle began to drive off,” the chief said.

From Los Angeles Times

The case against Adrian Gonzales is a rare example of an attempt to hold a law enforcement officer accountable for their actions during a mass shooting.

From Barron's

The posada was a celebration not in spite of all that, but because of it — a moment of hope and happiness amid turmoil, and a reminder that not everyone, not even every law enforcement officer, sees immigration status as a measure of worth.

From Los Angeles Times

The only documented incident in which a federal law enforcement officer was shot during an immigration enforcement action this year happened in Los Angeles in October — when a bullet from an ICE agent’s gun ricocheted into a deputy marshal’s hand during a vehicle stop.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s about whether you can appreciate the fact that a law enforcement officer is in a dangerous position and has to make a split-second decision.”

From Los Angeles Times