The force's official functions are to protect the Colombian nation, enforce the law by constitutional mandate, maintain and guarantee the necessary conditions for public freedoms and rights and to ensure peaceful cohabitation among the population.

The new police force was tasked with a broader mandate, including crime prevention, public safety, and the protection of citizens’ rights, reflecting the changing priorities of an independent nation.

On October 23, 1890, acting president Carlos Holguín Mallarino sanctioned a law authorizing the hiring of qualified trainers from either the United States or Europe to organize and train the newly established National Police.

The National Police was intended to recognize no privileges or distinctions among the general population, with the only exception being for international treaties established in the Constitution that granted immunity to members of diplomatic missions.

Caro declared a general state of emergency, in which authority over the National Police was transferred to the Ministry of War on January 21, 1896, and its members received the same privileges as military personnel.

A mutual fund called Caja de Gratificaciones was set up to pay benefits to service members, financed by the penalties imposed on the civilian population.

They were restructured by Decree 1628 of October 9 of 1918, assigning the direction, sub-direction and Inspector General duties to officers seconded from the National Army of Colombia - thus the basis for the Prussian style dress uniforms used today.

Later the same year, as authorized by a Law 74 of November 19, 1919, the Colombian president hired a French instructor and chief of detectives, who was an expert in the anthropometric system to train the National Police.

In 1939 the Colombian government receives the first cooperation agreement with the United States, through a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) committee headed by agent Edgar K. Thompson.

In 1948 when the civil unrest known as "El Bogotazo" broke out, after the assassination of the popular presidential candidate Jorge Eliecer Gaitán, the stability of the country was abruptly interrupted.

On June 13, 1953 Lieutenant General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla seized power in a coup d'etat, assuming functions as President of Colombia.

In 1964, as mandated by the Decree 349 of February 19, the Police Superior Academy was founded to indoctrinate officers with the rank of Major to the grade of Lieutenant Colonels.

The Colombian National Police have been fighting against these many threats, tainted or involved in some cases of corruption and accusations of human rights violations, amid the efforts of the majority of the institution to change its image.

This period was marked by significant police corruption, as the vast wealth and influence of drug cartels infiltrated many levels of Colombian society, including law enforcement.

[7] Many officers were offered substantial sums of money to provide intelligence, ignore drug trafficking activities, or facilitate the cartel’s logistics.

[9] This systemic corruption severely undermined the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and contributed to the instability and violence that plagued Colombia during this period.

[11][13] The Colombian government, with assistance from international partners, made concerted efforts to combat police corruption and the influence of drug cartels.

[12] These efforts included purging corrupt officers, implementing stricter accountability measures, and enhancing training programs to instill ethical standards.

Since 1995 the National Police has begun to change norms, structures, and standard operating procedures, essentially on policemen's judgment toward accomplishing missions and encouraging those who are willing to work with selfless service, integrity, leadership, and a vision of improving the population in general.

While the army primarily focuses on defending the country against external threats, it also provides logistical support and security for criminal investigations in high-conflict or remote areas.

[16] Recent developments in Colombia have highlighted ongoing challenges, including reports of unlawful killings, torture, and arbitrary detention by security forces and armed groups.

The country has experienced serious abuses related to its ongoing conflict, criminalization of libel, government corruption, and violence against marginalized groups such as Afro-Colombians and Indigenous persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and trade unionists.

These initiatives involve engaging communities in dialogue and reconciliation processes, helping to rebuild trust and cooperation between the police and civilians in post-conflict areas.

This peacebuilding model is crucial for maintaining long-term public order and security, as it seeks to address the historical grievances and socio-economic disparities that contribute to unrest and criminal activity.

Examples of successful initiatives include the “Community Safety Forums” and “Youth Engagement Programs,” which have shown positive outcomes in fostering trust and collaboration.

The National Police of Colombia have adapted their strategies to be more inclusive, aiming to foster strong relationships with civilians and address systemic issues.

This approach requires continuous adaptation and analysis to ensure that the policing strategies remain effective and relevant in the changing socio-political landscape.

[17] Colombia has undertaken significant efforts to reform its criminal justice system to address various challenges, including corruption, human rights violations, and the need for effective community policing.

[18] Moreover, the police force has launched several civic engagement initiatives that encourage the active participation of civilians in maintaining public safety.

These projects involve facilitated discussions between police officers and community members affected by conflict, aiming to build mutual understanding and collaboration.