Dear police

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dear police" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a salutation in a letter or communication directed to the police department or law enforcement. Example: "Dear police, I am writing to report a suspicious activity in my neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dear Police, This is a confession, although it is an anonymous one, so you may be inclined to consider it a boast.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Even as the standoff between Dear and police in Colorado Springs was underway, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill). was shrilling on live TV, slamming Planned Parenthood while a gunman was still inside the clinic.

The Washington Post

Dear Fashion Police: Why in ad campaigns and other media are men shown wearing dress shoes or loafers without socks?

Los Angeles Times

Dear Fashion Police: Most of the time I wear dark slacks and sweaters or jackets to work.

Los Angeles Times

Dear Fashion Police: When should we stop wearing those stylish knee-high boots that were so popular last winter?

Los Angeles Times

Dear Fashion Police: I am shifting from 24 years of naval service, where my standard fashion was a uniform.

Los Angeles Times

Dear Fashion Police: This summer I will be attending my 20-year class reunion, which takes place in a northern state.

Los Angeles Times

Last November, the city's Personnel Board voted 3-2 to reinstate Dear on the police force.

The Washington Post

Computerised textual analysis, one can hear them saying, would probably find little identity between the mocking letters the Ripper sent to the police - "Dear Boss, I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet.

The Guardian - Books

Dear surrendered to police at around 5pm local time.

Vice

After his arrest, Dear allegedly told police "no more baby parts" while delivering a rambling statement, an unnamed law enforcement source told the Associated Press.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When beginning a formal letter or email to a police department, use "Dear police" as a professional and respectful salutation. Follow it with a clear and concise explanation of your reason for writing.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual or informal greetings like "Hey police" or "Hello cops" in official correspondence. Maintain a respectful and professional tone when communicating with law enforcement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Dear police" functions primarily as a salutation in formal or semi-formal communication. It serves to introduce a letter, email, or statement directed to a police department or law enforcement agency. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Dear police" is a grammatically correct and usable salutation, though its frequency is rare. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for initiating formal communication with law enforcement agencies. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Remember to maintain a professional tone and clearly state your purpose when using this salutation. For alternative phrases, consider options such as "to the police department" or "to law enforcement" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To the police department

This is a more formal and direct way to address the police.

To law enforcement

This is a broader term that includes all types of police forces.

Attention: Police

This is a very direct and concise way to address the police, suitable for official communications.

Greetings, officers

This is a respectful and formal way to address police officers.

Dear law enforcement officers

This combines formality with a personal touch, suitable for respectful communication.

To whom it may concern at the police station

This is a formal approach used when the specific recipient is unknown.

Dear constabulary

This is a more formal and somewhat archaic term for a police force.

To the men and women of the police force

This is a respectful and inclusive way to address all members of the police.

Esteemed police officers

This is a highly formal and respectful way to address police officers.

Respected members of the police

This shows respect while remaining formal and professional.

FAQs

How to use "Dear police" in a sentence?

You can start a letter or email with "Dear police," followed by the content of your message. For example: "Dear police, I am writing to report a theft that occurred at my residence."

What can I say instead of "Dear police"?

Alternatives include "To the police department", "To law enforcement", or "Attention: Police", depending on the formality and directness required. Consider using "Dear law enforcement officers" for a respectful tone.

Is it appropriate to use "Dear police officers"?

Yes, "Dear police officers" is also appropriate, especially if you are addressing a group of officers or want to convey a more personal level of respect. It's similar to "Greetings, officers".

When should I use "To whom it may concern at the police station" instead of "Dear police"?

Use "To whom it may concern at the police station" when you do not know the specific recipient of your message. This is a formal approach, as is "Attention: Police", suitable when directing communication to an entire department.