bobby
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈbɑbi// UK //bˈɒbi// bob·by
n. a friendly name for a police officer in the UK. It is an old-fashioned word that people still use today to sound polite or traditional.
n. a colloquial term for a police officer in the United Kingdom. Derived from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who established the Metropolitan Police Force.
I asked a friendly bobby for directions to the museum.
The image of the local bobby patrolling the streets on foot remains a powerful symbol of British community policing.
While modern law enforcement relies heavily on technology, the traditional bobby on the beat is still viewed by many as the gold standard for public trust.
From Bob + -y.
Usage
Informal and specifically British; usually refers to a uniformed constable rather than a high-ranking official.