The decree of creation mentions in its introduction a resolution of the Council of Five Hundred recognizing that the Ministry of Interior was unable to properly lead the police of the republic due to its size, and as such it declared a state of emergency.

[1] During its existence and after years of troubles, the ministry was able to create a database of known criminals and offenders which reportedly helped to stabilize the regime.

[2] Its administration was merged with the interior portfolio in 1818 by Louis XVIII.

In 1852, President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte recreated the ministry for his friend Charlemagne de Maupas, but it was definitely abolished a year and a half later.

The headquarters of the department were located at the Hôtel de Juigné, Quai Malaquais.