Cryptic compilers Mr Stephenson at first fails to keep in order (6)

I believe the answer is:

police

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'keep in order' is the definition.
'police' can be an answer for 'keep' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'in order' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for police that I've seen before include "Civil force" , "Monitor; control" , "Lawmen" , "Heat in US" , "Gardai" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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