Police

Police refers to an institution of government employing personnel to enforce law and maintain civil order and peace. An individual employed in said functions is known as a police officer, constable or (in less-enlightened areas and by less-enlightened people) a policeman or policewoman. While police officers typically wear uniforms and are armed to some degree, police are distinct from the military.

Police developed as urban societies developed. China and ancient Rome both developed professional law enforcement institutions. In Europe during the Middle Ages up to the Age of Enlightenment, law enforcement was usually handled by informal means. Modern police forces began to appear around the 19th century.

Police in Science Fiction

Futuristic police forces often appear in science fiction, and some stories are built around technological or social developments in law enforcement.

• RoboCop (from the film of the same name) is a cyborg police officer.
• Judge Dredd combines law enforcement with judicial authority.