The KSP is a state police force that works under the purview of the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Karnataka.

Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru are headed by an officer with the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

This wing is headed by an officer with the rank of Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order.

The five Superintendents of Police in the Intelligence Divisions are in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Gulbarga, Belagavi, Davanagere and Ballery.

In 1951 the horses in the maharaja's bodyguard were used for the Karnataka Armed Reserve Mounted Police, headquartered in Mysuru.

Mounted police are used for traffic duty, night patrol, officer training and the Mysuru Dasara.

Mounted-police riders still practice tent pegging, and are also known for games, ceremonial parades and showmanship.

In January 2024 The Hindu reported that mounted police patrols were being reintroduced around Cubbon Park and the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature in Bengarluru.

The CSP comes under the Internal Security Division headed by Additional director general of police in Richmond Road, Bengaluru.

Karnataka High Court ordered a departmental inquiry against policemen for filing false chargesheet under NDPS Act affecting careers and future of students.