a novel, film, or television drama that deals realistically with police work
police procedural in American English
noun
a mystery novel, film, or television drama that deals realistically with police work
Also called: procedural
Word origin
[1965–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Finlandization, double-book, genetic engineering, isometric exercise, red-eye
Examples of 'police procedural' in a sentence
police procedural
Fans of grim police procedurals will find things to appreciate in this idiosyncratic variation on the usual themes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The appeal of this police procedural now extends way beyond its atmospheric setting.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
As a long-time fan of the police procedural, this worries me ...
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Another is a police procedural in the near future.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Can a police procedural be too unpleasant to watch?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's absorbing because it's a police procedural that isn't a police procedural.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
This is a well constructed, well written and satisfying police procedural.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's part psychological thriller, part police procedural, and a gripping, wholly original read.
The Sun (2013)
What follows is a cracking police procedural and much, much more.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It's a psychological thriller wrapped around a police procedural.
The Sun (2013)
Instead, we are left with an unusually confusing police procedural.