security police

American  

noun

1. a police force responsible for maintaining order at a specific locale or under specific circumstances, as at an airport or factory.

2. a police force concerned with detecting and preventing enemy espionage.

3. secret police.

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Etymology

Origin of security police

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Hours into their meeting, they approved a decision to form the party, catching the security police by surprise.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2024

A confidential declaration he signed before his release from prison restricted him from disclosing the interactions with the national security police to any third parties, including lawyers, he said.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2023

He described being harassed by state security police over the years during “sensitive periods” around the anniversary date.

From Washington Times • Sep. 22, 2023

Amid a national outcry over a botched security, police have tightened their protective measures following a subsequent investigation that found holes in how Abe was guarded.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2023

He took note, as did everyone, that among the uninvited guests at the wedding were a number of security police.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela