Cops Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cops
[kÉ’ps ]
Definitions
law enforcement
Cops are police officers who are responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining public order, and preventing and investigating crimes. They often patrol assigned areas, respond to emergency calls, conduct traffic stops, and make arrests.
Synonyms
law enforcement officers, police officers.
Examples of usage
- The cops arrived at the scene of the crime.
- The cops are investigating the robbery.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The first organized police force in London was established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, leading to the nickname 'bobbies' for police.
- In the early 20th century, the role of police began expanding significantly with the introduction of modern law enforcement techniques.
Pop Culture
- Police dramas, like 'Cops' and 'Law & Order', have shaped public perception, often romanticizing the role of officers in society.
- Fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes often partner with police to solve mysteries, showing the collaboration between detectives and uniformed officers.
Science
- Research shows that community policing strategies can lead to lower crime rates by building trust between officers and community members.
- Studies indicate that mental health training for police officers leads to better outcomes in situations involving individuals with mental health crises.
Psychology
- The relationship between police and the communities they serve can significantly affect crime-solving efficiency and community safety perception.
- Officers often face high-stress situations, which can lead to mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of support systems for law enforcement.
Origin of 'cops'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cop' is believed to come from the slang term 'copper', which originally referred to police officers because they wore copper badges.
- Another theory suggests that it comes from the verb 'to cop', meaning to seize or take, reflecting law enforcement's role in stopping crime.
The term 'cops' originated as a shortened form of 'copper', which was a slang term for a police officer in the 19th century. The use of 'cops' to refer to police officers became more common in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. It is now widely recognized as a colloquial term for law enforcement officers.