noun
sheriff; peace officer
Refers to a law enforcement officer, especially a sheriff in a Western or historical context. In modern Japan, the term is mainly used in translations or when referring to foreign systems.
西部劇では、保安官が悪者を追いかける。
In Westerns, the sheriff chases the outlaws.
アメリカの小さな町では、保安官が選挙で選ばれる。
In small American towns, the sheriff is elected.
Compound of 保安 (ほあん, 'peacekeeping, security') and 官 (かん, 'official'). The term is a direct translation of the English 'sheriff' or 'peace officer' and is not a traditional Japanese title.