Definition

Noun: A police department is the specific branch or agency of a local government that is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and preventing and investigating crime within its jurisdiction.

Usage

The term "police department" refers to the organized body of police officers and administrative staff serving a particular city, town, or other municipality. It is the primary local law enforcement organization.

Examples

• The police department issued a statement about the incident.
• She decided to report the theft to the local police department.
• Funding for the city's police department was increased in the new budget.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a member of a police department": This phrase means to be employed as a sworn police officer or civilian staff within that specific organization.
  • He has been a proud member of the Boston Police Department for fifteen years.

Variants and Related Words

• Police force: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "police department," though it can sometimes refer more broadly to the collective body of officers.
• Law enforcement agency: A broader term that includes police departments but also other organizations like sheriff's offices or federal agencies (e.g., the FBI).
• Precinct: A district or station house of a police department.

Synonyms

• Law enforcement agency
• Police force
• Constabulary

Related Phrases

• Police department headquarters: The main administrative offices of the department.
  • The press conference was held at police department headquarters.
• Police department policy: The official rules and procedures governing the department's conduct.
  • The officer's actions were reviewed for compliance with police department policy.

Noun

1. the department of local government concerned with enforcing the law and preventing crime