Definition

Noun: 1. An organized civil force responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and detecting crime, and enforcing laws: A "police force" is the collective body of officers and personnel authorized by a government or community to uphold the law, ensure safety, and provide emergency services within a specific jurisdiction.

Usage

The term "police force" is used to refer to the entire organized body of law enforcement in a city, region, or country. It is a collective noun. - The local police force increased patrols in the downtown area. - She decided to join the police force after graduating from university. - The city council approved funding for new equipment for the police force.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a member of a police force": To be an employed officer within that organization.
  • He has been a proud member of the metropolitan police force for twenty years.
• Referring to a specific national or regional body by name.
  • The New York City Police Force is one of the largest in the United States. (Note: Its official name is the New York City Police Department, but "police force" is a general descriptive term.)

Variants and Related Words

• Police (n): Often used interchangeably with "police force" to mean the organization, though "police" can also refer to the officers collectively. (e.g., )
• Police department (n): A more specific term for the administrative division and building of a local police force, especially in the US.
• Constabulary (n): A formal term for a police force, especially in some British contexts or historical settings.
• Law enforcement agency (n): A broader term that includes police forces as well as other agencies like sheriffs' offices or federal bureaus.

Synonyms

• Law enforcement: The broader system or activity of ensuring obedience to the law.
• The police: The collective body of officers.
• Constabulary: (Formal) The police force of a particular area.

Related Phrases

• Police force strength: The number of officers employed by a police force.
  • The mayor promised to increase police force strength by 10%.
• To lead/command a police force: To be in charge of the organization.
  • The new commissioner will command the police force starting next month.

Notes

"Police force" specifically denotes the organized institution. It is not typically used in phrasal verbs or idioms. Common idioms use the word "police" alone (e.g., "police action," "police state").

Noun

1. the force of policemen and officers
   • the law came looking for him