police force

noun

: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime

Synonyms of police force

• police
• constabulary

Examples of police force in a Sentence

He joined the local police force.

mobilized practically the entire police force to track down the escaped criminal

Recent Examples on the Web

The election of Nithya Raman, a democratic socialist, as the next mayor of Los Angeles promises to have a profound impact on the city’s police force — although perhaps not right away. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Hundreds of schools across Europe were evacuated on Wednesday after receiving bomb threats, police forces say, in what appeared to be the latest wave of efforts to intimidate populations. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Just like every other tool in the toolbox of the police force is a valuable tool, like surveillance cameras, like proactive engagement with individuals. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

The court does not have a police force of its own, and relies on its member states to execute these warrants. — Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for police force

• bourse
• coarse
• course
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse
• source
• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce

Kids Definition

police force

noun

: a body of officers trained and entrusted by a government to keep public peace, enforce laws, and prevent and detect crime

Legal Definition

police force

noun

: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime