Commonwealth Police Force
December 1917 – November 1919
The first federal police force, set up during the First World War to enforce Commonwealth laws and wartime regulations, particularly against political opponents of the war effort.
How it came into existence
Formed by Prime Minister and Attorney-General W. M. Hughes in December 1917 under the War Precautions Regulations, after the Queensland police declined to act against the man who threw an egg at him at Warwick on 29 November 1917.
- Enforcement of Commonwealth law
Raised as a new force under the Attorney-General.
How it ended
Wound down in 1919 and combined with the Special Intelligence Bureau in November 1919 to form the Investigation Branch of the Attorney-General's Department.
- Investigation of Commonwealth offences
Main functions
- Enforcement of Commonwealth laws
- Enforcement of the War Precautions Regulations
- Investigation of offences against the Commonwealth
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.