police action

American  

noun

1. a relatively localized military action undertaken by regular armed forces, without a formal declaration of war, against guerrillas, insurgents, or other forces held to be violating international peace and order.

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Etymology

Origin of police action

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Ms Constance said the government was tackling youth violence through measures including "effective consequences for offences, police action including stop and search, education, diversion and mentoring programmes, and sustained school and community engagement."

From BBC

What about the ubiquitous cellphones, with which members of the public—sometimes hostile to the cops—record police actions?

From The Wall Street Journal

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has summoned Governor Castro to a hearing on Monday to explain the police actions "in detail".

From BBC

“All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area you may be subject to arrest or other police action.”

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "As a result of the judgement, the individuals in question will face no further police action."

From BBC

Related Words

• intervention
• military action