The new Northern Constabulary was created at the same time as local government reorganisation created the Highland regional council and the islands councils of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

The Northern Constabulary area was the same as that covered by the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.

To help keep decision-making as local as possible, Northern was at the forefront nationally in Devolved Resource Management (DRM) for many years.

The Chief Constable allocated one-line budgets to each of his Area Commanders, closely monitoring progress across a range of indicators, over the year, through regular Performance Review and Performance Review Boards.

[4] The Area Commands were: Until the early 21st century, the uniform consisted of a white shirt, black tie and a stab-proof vest.