It is a branch of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and it is responsible for the maintenance of public order and internal security in Cambodia.

The Gendarmerie is under the direct supervision of a commander with an equivalent rank to General.

The High Command is responsible for monitoring all Gendarmerie units as well as general training.

The current commander is General Sao Sokha, a former bodyguard and personal advisor to Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen.[2] The Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia's duties are: Its civil duties include: to provide security and public peace, to investigate and prevent organised crime, terrorism and other violent groups; to protect state and private property; to help and assist civilians and other emergency forces in a case of emergency, natural disaster, civil unrest and armed conflicts.

Its military duties include: to preserve and protect national security, state, property, public peace, and public order, and to assist other security forces in case of emergency, civil unrest, war; to repress riots; to reinforce martial law and mobilisation; to fight and apprehend suspected criminals, terrorists and other violent groups.