noun
local government police; municipal police
Refers to a police force organized and operated by a local government entity, as opposed to a national police force. Often used in historical or comparative contexts, such as discussing Japan's postwar police system or police systems in other countries.
戦後、日本では自治体警察が導入された。
After the war, municipal police forces were introduced in Japan.
アメリカでは各市が自治体警察を持っている。
In the United States, each city has its own municipal police force.