The Population Police is a fictional, totalitarian police force in the Shadow Children sequence, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix, established for the sole cause of exterminating children other than those born first or second in a family in an effort to quell overpopulation. They also regulate the growth and distribution of food. The organization has been led by Aldous Krakenaur since Among the Hidden, came to be in charge of the government since Among the Brave, and was removed from power in Among the Free.