“Police” vs. “Policeman”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “police” and “policeman”

  • "Police" refers to the collective force, while "policeman" specifically refers to a male individual within that force.
  • The term "police" is gender-neutral while "policeman" is gender-specific.
  • "Police" can include a variety of roles and units within a department, while a "policeman" is generally a uniformed officer on patrol duty.
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What is the definition of “police” and “policeman”?

Police
  • Police refers to a group or department of law enforcement officers who work together to protect and serve a community.
  • They are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crime, and enforcing laws.
  • Police officers may work in various capacities such as patrol, detective, or specialized units such as SWAT.
Policeman
  • A policeman is a male member of a police force who is responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public safety.
  • Policemen receive extensive training in areas such as self-defense, firearms, and emergency response procedures.
  • Policemen often work in uniform and are authorized to use force if necessary to carry out their duties.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Police” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Police
1,390,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The police are investigating the robbery that happened last night.
  2. I appreciate the work the police do to keep our community safe.
  3. The police officer directed traffic during the parade.
Policeman
43,900,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The policeman helped the lost child find his way home.
  2. My neighbor is a retired policeman and has many interesting stories to share.
  3. The policeman pulled over the speeding driver and issued them a ticket.
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