The head or leader of a police department or constabulary of a local government.

plural of police dog

(usually derogatory) A polity whose government exercises strict and repressive control of the people.

plural of police state

plural of police force

(law) The inherent power, incident to sovereignty, of a state to regulate and exercise reasonable control over matters of public health, public morals, public safety, and in general, all things relating to the general welfare.

(law enforcement) Police force.

(law enforcement) Police force, especially a local or regional branch of a national police force.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see police, beat.

Use a telephone to request the arrival of a police officer.