This common informal meaning refers to members of the police force.
The cops arrived within minutes.
Several cops guarded the entrance.
This is the third-person singular form of cop and informally means catching, apprehending, or arresting someone.
The detective usually cops the suspect before dawn.
The officer cops anyone breaking into the restricted area.
This informal meaning refers to acquiring, receiving, choosing, or taking something.
The winner cops the largest prize.
He always cops the easiest assignment.
This meaning refers to receiving something negative, such as punishment, blame, injury, or criticism.
He cops a fine for parking illegally.
The team captain cops most of the criticism.
