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

The country's security police chief, Margo Palloson, said it was "a Ukrainian drone that deviated from its course, which was possibly affected in Russian airspace."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

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

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