Definition of police officer

The term "police officer" is a relatively modern combination of two older words. "Police" originates from the Greek "politeia," meaning "city-state" or "citizenship," later evolving to refer to civic administration and, eventually, law enforcement. "Officer" derives from the Latin "officium," meaning "duty" or "function." It was originally applied to any individual holding an official position, and its usage in law enforcement evolved over time. The combination of "police" and "officer" solidified in the 19th century, reflecting the shift towards professionalized and organized policing systems.