noun
police matter; brush with the law
Refers to a situation that involves the police, often implying trouble or legal consequences. Commonly used in phrases like 警察沙汰になる (to become a police matter).
近所の騒音が警察沙汰になった。
The noise from the neighborhood became a police matter.
彼は万引きで警察沙汰になった
He has had a brush with the law for shoplifting.