Ever since the establishment of the force in 1971, the federation had campaigned for an Act of Parliament to replace the maze of regulations, statutory provisions, and instructions on which the MDP's legal authority was based.

[3] The DPF employs a hierarchical structure, starting with individual station branches, these form the foundation of the Federation.

Routine management of the federation is overseen by the National Executive Committee (NEC), who meet quarterly.

The federation also has access to the MoD Police Committee, with either the National Chairman or General Secretary attending as an observer.

This consists of all branch representatives coming together to consider policy and receive reports on the business conducted throughout the year.

The conference may also debate resolutions about improving conditions of service and related matters, or revise the rules and constitution of the federation.

[4] The DPF campaigned against cuts to the Ministry of Defence Police that substantially reduced the number of MDP officers and the force's budget.