Crossword Genius

Managed the police department when one is off for a long time? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rancid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one is off for a long time?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'managed the police department' is the wordplay.
'managed' becomes 'ran' (I've seen this before).
'the police department' becomes 'cid' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ran'+'cid'='RANCID'

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rancid that I've seen before include "Sour like stale fat" , "Rank, high" , "Foul-tasting" , "Sour - smelling bad" , "(Of fatty foods) gone off" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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