state trooper
Noun: A state trooper is a sworn law enforcement officer employed by a state government's police agency. State troopers primarily patrol state and federal highways and have jurisdiction across the entire state, unlike local police whose authority is typically limited to a specific city or county.
The term "state trooper" refers specifically to the individual officer. It is a formal title and a common term for this type of police officer in the United States. - You should report the accident to the state trooper at the scene. - A state trooper pulled over the speeding vehicle on the interstate. - Her father served as a state trooper for over twenty years.
- The term is often used in contrast to other law enforcement titles (e.g., , , ). In some states, the official title is "State Police Trooper" or the agency is called the "State Patrol," but the officer is still commonly called a state trooper.
- The plural form is state troopers.
- Several state troopers were directing traffic around the crash site.
- Trooper (noun): A common, informal shortening of "state trooper." Also has other meanings (e.g., a soldier in a cavalry unit, a person who endures hardship).
- He waved to the trooper as he drove past.
- State Police (noun): The agency or department that employs state troopers.
- The State Police are investigating the crime.
- Highway patrol officer
- State police officer
While the core meaning is consistent, the specific duties, uniforms, and official agency names for state troopers can vary from state to state within the U.S. However, they are universally recognized as state-level law enforcement with broad jurisdiction.
- a state police officer