shore patrol

American  

noun

1. (often initial capital letters) members of an organization in the U.S. Navy having police duties similar to those performed by military police. SP

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shore patrol British  

noun

1. a naval unit serving the same function as the military police

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Etymology

Origin of shore patrol

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

A shore patrol was instituted to catch anyone attempting to engage in trade.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

He then threatened to call the shore patrol.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the midst of these negotiations, Navy shore patrol men and a police riot squad clumped up the stairs, then went away again, assured that the marines had the situation well in hand.

From Time Magazine Archive

In San Francisco, a streetcar crashed with complete abandon into a Navy shore patrol wagon, drew cheers from watching sailors.

From Time Magazine Archive

He had stayed past the legal hour on liberty the last time in, and the shore patrol had come along and scooped him up.

From The U-boat hunters by Connolly, James B. (James Brendan)