The system of Policing in Madras City existed early as in the 16th Century. At time was a very simple system consisting of a Group of 'Peons' or 'Watchers' who served under the hereditary Officials known as the 'Poligrs'. In this age old system of Policing, the main duty or the only duty was detection of Crime.

The Act enacted in 1856 created the heads of town police of Culkotta, Bombay and Madras who were designated as Commissioner of Police. With this act the history of Madras policing system had its genesis.