The beginning of policing in Kolkata can be traced in 1704 when a decision was taken to protect the life and property of the people by setting up a watch and ward unit for the township. In 1720, the East India company formally appointed the Zaminder of Calcutta to be in- charge of both civil and criminal administration who was assisted by Indian functionary. In 1778, the strength of the police in Calcutta was raised which was controlled by Thanadars and Naibs under a Superintendent.

In 1829, a six-member Committee was appointed by Lord William Bentinck for enquiry and advice on police reforms. Subsequently, in 1845 another Committee headed by Mr. Patton was appointed by the Government. This Committee recommended the appointment of a Commissioner of Police with powers of a justice of peace, which were necessary for the preservation of order and prevention and detection of crime. The recommendations of the Patton Committee resulted in Act XIII of 1856 after receiving the assent of the Governor-General on 13June 1856. Calcutta Police for the first time was treated as a separate organization and S. Wauchope, the then Chief-Magistrate, was appointed as the First Commissioner of Police on November 1856.

Starting with a modest strength, Kolkata Police, has grown into an organization comprising of more than twenty-six thousand police personnel. With its jurisdiction spread over 104 sq. Km, with a population of over 5 million and an additional floating population of over 2.5 million, policing in Kolkata is a unique challenge.

Kolkata Police has served the city with sincerity and dedication. Be it in the maintenance of law and order, prevention and detection of crime, controlling communal violence, disaster management or in providing internal security. Quick action springing from purposeful direction is achieved by the Police Commissionerate System with a unitary chain of command and control.

In 1720 the Police establishment was located on the east of Norton's Buildings. In 1784, The polish establishment, including the police force, was shifted to another building, "Harmonic Tavern." Subsequently, the entire police office was relocated to the house of John Palmer. In 1835, The Government purchased the building for the Calcutta Police Head Quarters, demolished it in 1914 to facilitate construction of new premises. In Nov' 1918, the present day Kolkata Police headquarters popularly known as "Lal Bazar" was completed.

As a people-friendly force, Kolkata Police has a number of proactive programmes to involve people from all walks of life into its work. Community Policing programmes involve regular interaction between Police Stations and local communities on local issues and problems. There are women's counselling centres to help women in distress from domestic violence, sexual harassment or oppression. The force has also reached out with the Nabadisha education programme for street children, the friendship cup for the youth, and regular blood donation programmes that involve men of the force as well as the community.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Kolkata Police Commissionerate on it 150 yeas of dedicated service.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India