Definition

Noun: - The central administrative building or complex for a police force in a specific area: This is the main station from which police operations are commanded, where officers are based, and where administrative functions are conducted. It typically serves as a central point for receiving reports, dispatching officers, and processing individuals who have been arrested.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new police headquarters downtown is a large, modern building.
  • All major case files are kept at the police headquarters.
  • After the arrest, the suspect was taken to the central police headquarters for questioning.

Advanced Usage

• "to be taken down to headquarters": A common informal phrase meaning to be brought to the police headquarters for official processing or interrogation.
  • The officer told the suspect he was being taken down to headquarters.

Variants and Related Words

• Headquarters (HQ) (n): The central administrative location for any organization. When used alone, context determines if it refers to a police force or another entity (e.g., "corporate headquarters").
  • The detective returned to headquarters to file his report.
• Precinct house (n): A police station serving a specific precinct or district; it can sometimes function as a local headquarters for that area.
• Station house (n): Another term for a police station.

Synonyms

• Police station: A building where police are based.
• Command center: Emphasizes the operational and dispatch function.
• Main station: Highlights it as the primary station among others.

Related Phrases

• To report to headquarters: To go to or contact the main police station, often to provide information or receive orders.
  • The patrol officer was instructed to report to headquarters at the end of his shift.

Noun

1. a station that serves as headquarters for police in a particular district; serves as a place from which policemen are dispatched and to which arrested persons are brought