constable
constable — noun
1. within the British and certain Commonwealth police systems, the most junior offi
within the British and certain Commonwealth police systems, the most junior officer rank. A constable's duties include patrolling neighbourhoods, responding to emergency calls, and managing everyday law enforcement matters.
A newly sworn constable visited a primary school to talk to children about bike safety.
constable in community-engagement role — visiting schools
PC Obi patrols the streets of Cardiff every morning before the shops open for business.
PC + name as title for a constable
The constable noted down the number plate and checked the database for stolen vehicles.
After three years as a constable, Liam was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
The chief inspector assigned the new constable, Jin, to night patrol for his first month.
- police officer
a broader, rank-neutral term used in both UK and US; constable is one specific rank within this category
- PC
the abbreviation for Police Constable, used as a title and in official contexts
- bobby
informal British slang for a police officer, derived from Sir Robert Peel who founded the modern police force
文法句型
Police Constable + surname
PC + surname
用法筆記
In the UK, constables are commonly addressed with the title 'PC' (Police Constable) before their surname, e.g. PC Williams. This rank is the standard entry-level position in British police forces, above which come sergeant, inspector, and higher ranks. The term is not used in the same way for US law enforcement.
常見錯誤
2. a local official, often chosen by public vote, who has limited law-enforcement a
a local official, often chosen by public vote, who has limited law-enforcement and court-related duties within a small town or rural area. Responsibilities may include delivering legal documents, keeping order at community events, and giving fines for minor rule-breaking.
The town constable settled a dispute between two neighbours over a broken fence.
constable as local dispute resolver
Ravindra was elected as constable of the township in the local autumn election.
constable as an elected position in some US jurisdictions
When a storm brought down power lines, the constable directed traffic at the crossroads.
The village constable has the authority to issue fines for littering and excessive noise.
Nkechi reported the missing livestock to the county constable, who organised a search party.
- lawman
an informal, somewhat old-fashioned term for any law enforcement officer, especially in rural areas
- peace officer
a formal term covering various local law enforcement officials, including constables and sheriffs
文法句型
Constable + surname
town constable
village constable
county constable
用法筆記
In the United States, constables are typically elected officials at the town or county level, with powers that vary considerably from state to state. Unlike British constables, they are not part of a national or city police force and usually do not patrol streets or respond to emergency calls.