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.

---

Etymology

Origin of security police

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

"They were scared that it could be a trap set up by the security police and would say things like, 'We won't accept money from traitors.'"

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2024

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

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

From Washington Times • Sep. 22, 2023

"The recent Koran burnings have, as the security police have said, affected the current security situation," Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in the statement.

From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2023

I also heard the gruff voices of the security police who were in the process of searching the offices.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela