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 message directed to the police, often in a formal or respectful context. Example: "Dear police, I would like to report a suspicious activity in my neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the park's western edge, one protester marked the occasion with a more musically inclined offering: "Dear Police, Synchronicity Was the Worst Album Ever".

The New York Times

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

56 human-written examples

Dear, dear, dear.

Independent

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

THE FOOD POLICE Dear Vice, It's tragic that this woman's mother and uncle have had such terrible ends to their lives and that the kids didn't show before the funeral (though perhaps, you know, they had jobs and their own kids and obligations enough that they couldn't get from Ohio to Kentucky on short notice).

Vice

"Oh dear, what is a police commissioner?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She told police she noticed Dear watching her from a hiding spot in the bushes on Memorial Day in 2001.

Vice

Commissioners can also be expected to welcome, celebrate and support those policing activities the public hold most dear and want more of: notably, community policing.

The Guardian

The Taliban vice'n'virtue police and our own dear selves?

The Guardian - Books

Dear Mayor de Blasio, You ordered the police to stop "stop and frisk".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, follow "dear police" with a colon (:) rather than a comma (,).

Common error

Avoid using overly casual language or slang after addressing the police with "dear police". Maintain a consistent tone throughout your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear police" primarily functions as a salutation, used to address a letter, email, or other form of communication to the police force. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to formally initiate contact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dear police" serves as a formal salutation suitable for initiating communication with law enforcement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating its appropriateness for official correspondence. For alternative phrasings, consider "to the police department" or "respected police officers". When using "dear police", maintain a respectful tone and clearly state your purpose. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, signaling respect and formality in your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the police department

Replaces the salutation with a more formal designation of the police organization.

attention: police department

A direct and formal way to address the police department in written communication.

to whom it may concern at the police station

Extends the formality and specifies the location, suitable for official correspondence.

respected police officers

Uses a more respectful and personalized salutation, suitable for addressing a group of officers.

to the officers of the law

Emphasizes the legal authority of the police, adding a layer of respect and formality.

greetings police

A simple and direct salutation, less formal than "dear police" but still respectful.

hello police department

A casual yet polite way to initiate contact with the police department.

to the law enforcement agency

A formal and impersonal way to address the police, suitable for official documents.

officers

A direct way to call the police in the context of a speech or address.

police representatives

Refers to the police as representatives, highlighting their official role.

FAQs

How to use "dear police" in a sentence?

"Dear police" is a salutation, typically used at the beginning of a letter or email. For example, "Dear police, I am writing to report a crime." Alternatively, you can use similar greetings like "to the police department" or "to whom it may concern at the police station".

What can I say instead of "dear police"?

Alternatives to "dear police" include "to the police department", "respected police officers", or "to the officers of the law", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "dear police" in an informal context?

While "dear police" is generally formal, it can be used in neutral contexts. For more informal communication, consider a less formal salutation or addressing specific officers by name if known.

What's the difference between "dear police" and "to the police department"?

"Dear police" is a direct salutation, while "to the police department" is a more impersonal and formal way to address the entire organization. Choose the option that best fits the context and your relationship with the police force.