Definition

1. Noun:
   • A police officer assigned to a specific area for regular surveillance and protection: A "patrolman" is a law enforcement officer whose primary duty is to maintain a visible presence and monitor a designated region, such as a neighborhood or beat, to prevent crime and ensure public safety.

Usage

• The term "patrolman" is used to specify the officer's function of patrolling. It is a specific job title or role within a police department.
• It is often used in American English contexts. While the role exists universally, the specific title may vary by region or department.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The patrolman walked his beat every night, checking the doors of local businesses.
  • A patrolman in a car reported the accident to the dispatch center.
  • After the parade, the patrolman directed traffic to clear the streets.

Advanced Usage

• "On patrol": This phrase describes the state of performing patrol duties. While it uses "patrol," it is a common collocation for the role of a patrolman.
  • The patrolman was on patrol when he noticed the broken window.

Variants and Related Words

• Patrol (verb/noun): The core action or activity. As a verb: to monitor an area. As a noun: the act of monitoring or the group doing it.
  • Verb: Officers patrol the park. Noun: The night patrol reported all was quiet.
• Patrolwoman (noun): The female equivalent of "patrolman."
• Police officer / Officer (noun): General terms that include patrolmen and other ranks.
• Beat cop (noun, informal): A colloquial term for a patrolman assigned to a specific, regular route (a "beat").

Synonyms

• Police officer: A general term for a member of a police force.
• Constable: A term for a police officer, used in some countries and regions.
• Lawman: An informal term, often used in historical or Western contexts.

Related Phrases

• Walking a beat: The specific action of a patrolman monitoring an area on foot.
  • The veteran patrolman preferred walking a beat to driving a squad car.
• On the beat: Similar to "on patrol," describing being actively engaged in patrolling a specific area.
  • You'll find Officer Miller on the beat downtown.

Noun

1. a policeman who patrols a given region