traffic cop

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a police officer who directs the flow of traffic, usually at an intersection.

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traffic cop British  

noun

1. informal a policeman who supervises road traffic

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Etymology

Origin of traffic cop

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Dashcam footage showed Stevenson — an 11-year department veteran who previously worked as a traffic cop on the Westside — making a U-turn on Balboa moments before the collision, and racing down the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Five Scottish tries in the bag, a 27-point lead on the board and Finn Russell directing his players around the pitch with the authority of the world's greatest traffic cop.

From BBC

While he pointed out he’s “not a traffic cop,” Zalatoris believes “there’s got to be an easier way to do this.”

From Seattle Times

“He was a traffic cop tonight,” Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said.

From Seattle Times

A statewide “high visibility enforcement” day is scheduled Sept. 11 to place extra traffic cops near schools, said Koffel.

From Seattle Times