Police Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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police
[pəˈliːs ]
Definitions
law enforcement
The civil force of a federal or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
Synonyms
cops, law enforcement, officers.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| police |
Formal or general term used to refer to the entire organization of law enforcement or a group of officers.
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| law enforcement |
Formal term generally used in official documents, news reports, or discussions about the broader system of policing.
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| cops |
Casual or informal term often used in everyday conversation.
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| officers |
Respectful term used to refer specifically to individuals in the police force.
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Examples of usage
- The police are investigating the robbery.
- She called the police when she heard a noise in her backyard.
control, regulate
To control, regulate, or keep in order by using police
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| police |
Used to describe maintaining public order, enforcing laws, or supervising a specific behavior or event. It often has a formal or official connotation.
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| control |
Refers to having power or authority over something or someone. It’s used in various contexts including managing, governing, or restraining.
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| regulate |
Used to describe making rules or laws to control an activity or process. It often involves setting standards or guidelines.
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| monitor |
Means observing and checking the progress or quality of something over a period of time. It implies a continuous or regular observation.
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Examples of usage
- The teacher had to police the students during the field trip.
- It is important to police your own behavior.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'politia', meaning 'public order'.
- Modern policing began in the early 19th century with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in London.
- The first police force in the U.S. was formed in Boston in 1838.
Pop Culture
- Police officers are often depicted in movies and TV shows as heroes who solve crimes, like in shows such as 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'.
- Songs, like 'Bad Boys' by Inner Circle, celebrate the idea of police and the pursuit of justice.
- Many video games, like 'Grand Theft Auto', incorporate police characters as part of their gameplay.
Psychology
- The presence of police in communities can significantly affect public safety perceptions, making citizens feel more secure.
- Community policing strategies emphasize building relationships between officers and locals to strengthen community ties.
- Research shows that a positive relationship with law enforcement can influence compliance with the law.
Law and Society
- Different countries have various policing methods, with some emphasizing community-based approaches, while others may focus more on traditional law enforcement.
- The concept of 'policing by consent' in places like the UK encourages cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
- Police departments often have specialized units, such as K-9 units, that utilize trained dogs for certain tasks.
Science and Technology
- Modern policing heavily relies on technology, including body cameras and data analytics to improve crime-solving.
- Forensic science, which uses scientific methods to investigate crimes, has revolutionized how police gather evidence.
- The rise of social media allows police departments to interact with communities in new ways, improving transparency and trust.
Origin of 'police'
The word 'police' originated from the French 'police', which in turn came from the Latin 'politia' meaning 'civil administration'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the civil force responsible for maintaining law and order. The modern police force as we know it today has its roots in the early 19th century, with the establishment of organized law enforcement agencies in various countries.