police power
nounDefinition of police power
: the inherent power of a government to exercise reasonable control over persons and property within its jurisdiction in the interest of the general security, health, safety, morals, and welfare except where legally prohibited
Examples of police power in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Already there have been calls to regulate the Internet, ban video games, curtail free speech, and generally increase police powers. — Michael Tanner, National Review, "Some Thoughts on the El Paso Shooting," 7 Aug. 2019 The statement said that Metro transit officials reviewed Vance’s actions within hours of the incident and revoked his police powers before notifying federal authorities. — Clarence Williams, Washington Post, "Former Metro police officer accused of civil rights violations," 25 July 2019 Following his arrest, he was suspended without pay and had his police powers removed, Nisleit said. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE.com, "San Diego Police Sgt. Accused of Soliciting Minor for Sex Found Dead of Apparent Suicide," 6 Aug. 2019 The emergency proclamation grants the governor additional police powers and the authority to call in the National Guard. — Trisha Kehaulani Watson-sproat, Vox, "Why Native Hawaiians are fighting to protect Maunakea from a telescope," 24 July 2019 The police department suspended Moris' police powers and assigned him to administrative duties last week. — Michael Kunzelman, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland officer charged with assault in videotaped arrest," 9 July 2019 His attempts to bolster police powers to control protests have been stymied by the City Council, where Wheeler is a co-equal member. — oregonlive.com, "Mayor Ted Wheeler, without plan in hand, rejects Portland protest violence," 8 July 2019 The protection order was issued June 4, according to court records, and Ribariu's police powers were suspended as a result on Wednesday, the department said. — Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "Mount Healthy cop arrested, charged with crimes including violating a protection order," 21 June 2019 None of the four were charged criminally, however they were stripped of police powers and assigned to desk duty as their case proceeded. — Herbert G. Mccann, BostonGlobe.com, "Chicago police board fires 4 officers in connection with Laquan McDonald’s death," 19 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'police power.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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