Polis, city.

Politeia — polites.. citizen.

Police etymology

The etymology of the word “police” traces back to the Latin “politia,” which means “civil administration.” This Latin word itself comes from the Ancient Greek “polis,” meaning “city” or “city-state.” The term evolved to signify the administration and governance of a city, including its regulation, control, and maintenance of public order.

In the medieval period and into the Renaissance in Europe, the term began to be associated more specifically with the enforcement of laws and maintenance of public order within cities. By the 18th century, in France, the word “police” had taken on meanings closely related to its current sense, referring to the organization responsible for law enforcement, public safety, and order. The French “police” was then adopted into English in the same period, retaining this modern sense of law enforcement and public administration concerning safety and regulations.

The development of formal police forces as we understand them today began in the late 17th to 18th centuries. For example, one of the world’s first organized and paid police forces was created in London with the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, established by Sir Robert Peel. Hence, the members of the Metropolitan Police have sometimes been referred to as “Bobbies,” in homage to Sir Robert Peel.

This etymological journey reflects the evolution of the concept from the broad administration of city life in ancient times to the specific institutions dedicated to enforcing laws and maintaining public order that we recognize today.