Definition

1. Noun:
   • An officer of the law: A "peace officer" is a person whose duty is to enforce the law, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of the community. This term broadly refers to individuals with legal authority, such as police officers, sheriffs, and constables.

Usage

• The term "peace officer" is a formal or legal designation for a law enforcement official. It emphasizes the role of preserving peace and public order.
• It is often used in legal documents, statutes, and official contexts to describe the authority granted to various law enforcement personnel.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The suspect was apprehended by a peace officer.
  • State law defines a sheriff as a sworn peace officer.
  • Only a duly appointed peace officer has the authority to make an arrest in this jurisdiction.

Advanced Usage

• "Sworn peace officer": This phrase specifies an officer who has taken an official oath to uphold the law.
  • After graduating from the academy, she became a sworn peace officer.
• "Federal peace officer": Refers to law enforcement officers working for federal agencies, such as the FBI or DEA.
  • The investigation involved both local police and federal peace officers.

Variants and Related Words

• Law enforcement officer: A more common modern synonym for "peace officer."
• Police officer: A specific type of peace officer, typically working for a city or town police department.
• Constable: In some regions, a constable is a specific type of peace officer with limited jurisdiction.

Synonyms

• Lawman: (Informal) An officer of the law.
• Police: The collective body of officers.
• Sheriff: An elected peace officer in charge of law enforcement for a county.

Related Phrases

• "To act in the capacity of a peace officer": To perform official law enforcement duties.
  • While off-duty, he can still act in the capacity of a peace officer if he witnesses a crime.
• "Peace officer status": The official standing or authority granted to a law enforcement officer.
  • His peace officer status was revoked following the investigation.

Noun

1. an officer of the law