I am an avid watcher of real cop shows. Cops, and The First 48 are my favorites.
I have noticed that the cops often, when knocking on doors, etcetera, announce themselves as the “poh-lice”. It is not a strictly southern occurrence, it is done in many locals.
The question is, why? I am guessing, but I think it may be that the cops want no confusion about who they are. “Police”, could be heard as “please”?
Any cops have an opinion?
No, my use of the word,“cops”, is not derogatory in any way.
While it may be correct to pronounce the word “police” as Poh-Leese, if said quickly it could sound like “please” very easily. Try to say “police” in one big rolling syllable.
“Police, open the door!” said very quickly and loudly could sound like “Please open the door!”. I can see where spike404 is coming from.
There are at least two pronunciations for “police” in American English: [pə’lis] and (what you’re hearing on the shows) ['polis]. I don’t think the latter is used as a way of avoiding confusion, I just think it’s a variant pronunciation that may be correlated with certain regions and/or social classes.
Specifically, I identify the latter with Southern whites and blacks, and (to a lesser extent), non-Southern blacks (and, a much lesser extent, non-Southern whites).
Hence the nickname po-po, most common among blacks and poorer whites (AFAICT).
I’ve always said “puh-lease” myself. Whenever I hear someone say “po-lease”, it gives me the impression they’re trying to sound silly or stupid or something.
I say puh-LEESSE. Not like “please” stretched out - more emphasis on the s at the end.
Born and raised in NJ, but away from there for 12 years. I must admit, I have an immediate, visceral negative reaction to someone who says “PO-leese,” unless it’s a joke. It’s redneck, back-woods, swamp-Okie talk to me.
No offense to swamp-Okies. My wife’s family is ALL swamp-Okies.