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

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Etymology

Origin of law enforcement officer

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Eventually, a law enforcement officer dressed in what looked like a leadership uniform came forward to beg crowds not to stampede the entrances.

From Barron's • Jul. 5, 2026

Some offenders already are barred, including those convicted of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Garcia, a career law enforcement officer who has cast himself in the political mold of conservative Texas Democrats Rep. Henry Cuellar and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, is an archetypal candidate for a competitive race like this.

From Slate • May 22, 2026

“His role is no longer defense attorney, but rather the leading law enforcement officer in the United States, and he takes that responsibility seriously,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The tall man was the Texas Attorney General, the chief law enforcement officer for the state.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar