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.

In 1928, the Inspector General and the Commissioner of Police requested the Government to sanction extra staff to deal with increasing Traffic related problems, but the government reminded tardy to concede to their request even though towards the end of the year 1928 the Government could clearly observe the increasing difficulties with regard to Traffic in Madras City.

In the due course the Government had to realize the need of improving the Traffic Department by increasing its staff strength. Thus a seed was sown for creating a separate "Traffic Police".

In the year 1929, the entire organisation was recast and remodelled on "Functional Division" as designed by Sir Charles Cunnigham, the then Commissioner of Police. With effect from 1st September 1929, Policing was divided into three divisions namely  L&O,Crime and Traffic.