English Reference

Word

police officer

Definition

compound. A person who works for the police. Their job is to make sure people follow the law and to help keep the community safe.

compound. A sworn member of a police force, granted specific legal powers to enforce laws and maintain public order.

Examples

“A police officer directs traffic at the intersection.”

“The police officer took a statement from the witness after the accident.”

“In her testimony, the veteran police officer detailed the complex chain of events leading to the arrest.”

Examples

simple

“A police officer directs traffic at the intersection.”

contextual

“The police officer took a statement from the witness after the accident.”

complex

“In her testimony, the veteran police officer detailed the complex chain of events leading to the arrest.”

Usage

This is a gender-neutral term, often preferred over 'policeman' or 'policewoman'.

Teaching tip

Note the compound noun stress pattern: the primary stress falls on 'POlice', not 'officer'.

Pitfall

I asked a police for directions.

I asked a police officer for directions.

'Police' refers to the entire force or a group; an individual member is a 'police officer'.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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