Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
police stated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "police stated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reporting information or statements made by law enforcement officials regarding an incident or investigation. Example: "According to the report, police stated that the suspect was last seen near the downtown area."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
34 human-written examples
In a statement the Dutch police stated that they believe the man sold drugs, as well as stolen credit cards and ammunition.
News & Media
At the time the police stated definitely, and apparently believed, that McMahon's death had no connection with the armored-car robbery.
News & Media
When Michael Hann from the Guardian contacted the Barbican, he was referred to the City of London police; in turn the police stated, "The Barbican is the venue … it's down to them".
News & Media
As for the story's appearance in the Sun the very next day, Hertfordshire police stated tartly: "We believe the media found out about the incident following a phone call from Ms Klass's publicist to Emma Cox from the Sun".
News & Media
His report of the incident reflected the prevailing view among the cops who had dealt with the woman: "The victim changed her story several times," Day wrote, "and eventually Durham Police stated that charges would not exceed misdemeanor simple assault against the occupants of 610 N. Buchanan".
News & Media
In its letter to the select committee, Surrey police stated: "Contrary to Surrey police's initial suspicions, the message left on Milly's mobile phone voicemail on 27 March 2002 by the recruitment agency was not the work of a hoaxer but a pure coincidence.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
26 human-written examples
[Police State].
News & Media
He mentioned a police state.
News & Media
This is a police state.
News & Media
This was a police state".
News & Media
That is the stuff of police states.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "police stated", ensure that you accurately represent the information provided by law enforcement. Always cite the source if possible.
Common error
While "police stated" is acceptable, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing sentences to emphasize the subject, such as "The police department released a statement" instead of "It was stated by police that...".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "police stated" functions as an attributive expression, indicating the source of information. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable way to attribute statements to law enforcement officials, providing clarity and accountability.
Frequent in
News & Media
70%
Wiki
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "police stated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for attributing information to law enforcement, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news reports and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral and professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure accurate representation of the information and consider alternative phrases like "police reported" or "authorities declared" for variety. Avoid over-reliance on passive voice to maintain writing clarity and impact. Remember to cite sources when possible to enhance credibility.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
police reported
Replaces "stated" with "reported", focusing on the act of conveying information to the public.
police indicated
Replaces "stated" with "indicated", suggesting a less direct or formal communication.
authorities declared
Substitutes "police" with "authorities", indicating a broader official source, and "stated" with "declared", which suggests a formal announcement.
law enforcement announced
Uses "law enforcement" instead of "police" for a more formal tone and "announced" to indicate a public declaration.
police sources said
Adds "sources" to indicate information from within the police force, maintaining a neutral tone.
detectives revealed
Replaces "police" with "detectives", specifying the investigative branch, and "stated" with "revealed", implying the uncovering of information.
officials confirmed
Uses "officials" to broaden the source and "confirmed" to emphasize the verification of information.
investigators disclosed
Specifies "investigators" as the source and uses "disclosed" to suggest the revealing of previously unknown details.
the department noted
Uses "the department" instead of "police", providing a more institutional perspective, and "noted" for a formal observation.
the police department communicated
Replaces "stated" with communicated, and adds the word "department" to reinforce a formal tone.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "police stated"?
You can use alternatives like "police reported", "authorities declared", or "law enforcement announced" depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "police stated" in formal writing?
Yes, "police stated" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in news reports and legal documents. It clearly indicates the source of the information. However, ensure the overall tone remains objective.
How does "police stated" differ from "police confirmed"?
"Police stated" generally indicates that the police made a declaration or provided information. "Police confirmed", on the other hand, implies that the police verified pre-existing information or facts.
Can I use "police stated" when the information is not officially released?
It is best to use "police stated" when the information has been officially released or attributed to the police by reliable sources. If the information is unofficial, consider using phrases like "police sources said" to indicate the source's confidentiality.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested