Definition

1. Noun:
   • A police sergeant assigned to duty at the desk or reception area of a police station: A "desk sergeant" is a specific rank of police officer, a sergeant, whose primary duty is to be stationed at the main desk or front office of a police station. This officer typically handles incoming inquiries, reports, administrative tasks, and the initial processing of individuals brought to the station.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The victim reported the theft directly to the desk sergeant at the local precinct.
  • Before being taken to a cell, the suspect was logged in by the desk sergeant.

Advanced Usage

• "to report to the desk sergeant": to officially give information or a statement to the officer in charge at the station's front desk.
  • All visitors must report to the desk sergeant before proceeding into the building.

Variants and Related Words

• Station sergeant (n): A similar role, often used interchangeably in some regions, referring to a sergeant in charge at a police station.
• Desk officer (n): A broader term that can refer to any officer (not necessarily a sergeant) performing duty at the station's front desk.

Synonyms

• Police sergeant: The general rank.
• Front desk sergeant: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing the location of duty.

Related Phrases

• On desk duty: Refers to the assignment of performing administrative or reception tasks at the station desk.
  • After his injury, he was placed on desk duty for a few weeks.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. the police sergeant on duty in a police station