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Synonyms

police force

American  
[puh-lees fawrs] / pəˈlis ˌfɔrs /

noun

  1. Often the force or the Force the police, an organized civil force for enforcing laws.


Etymology

Origin of police force

First recorded in 1830–40

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.

However, investigators with Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, along with prosecutors and the court, reopened the investigation in October 2025 after citing inconsistencies in Jonathan Andic's testimony, according to the reports.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

In 2024, John Caldwell was awarded the King's Police Medal for distinguished services in the police force.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Metro has worked to improve safety across its network, prioritizing a new police force and additional safeguards, such as its ambassador program, with some real success.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

He represents two Dallas residents in the lawsuit who say they’ve been harmed by the city’s failure to grow its police force.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

After leaving the monastic order to marry Ma, Pa joined the police force.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

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