The CPIB has the mandate to investigate into any acts or forms of corruption in the public and private sectors in Singapore, and in the course of doing so, any other offences under any written law, with the powers of arrest.

[3] Formerly known as the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) within the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the CPIB was first established in 1952 as an independent agency under the purview of the attorney-general.

The following are provided for under the PCA:[6] The CPIB also operates with functional independence from the police and nominally from the government, and is headed by a director who reports directly to the Prime Minister but may also additionally report to the President, especially if the former refuses to give consent for a formal investigation or there's a potential case against the Prime Minister themselves.

In addition to its primary function of investigating corruption offences, the CPIB also undertakes public education and community outreach efforts relating to anti-corruption.

The CPIB is committed to fight corruption with resolve, by strengthening its interview tradecraft, intelligence and investigative support capabilities.