Its function is quite similar to that of the Italian Arma dei Carabinieri, but the Custodial Corps fall under the Ministry of Justice.

[citation needed] In 1884 the British formed an armed constabulary to police the Somaliland coast.

Armed rural constabulary supported this force by bringing offenders to court, guarding prisoners, patrolling townships, and accompanying nomadic tribesmen over grazing areas.

The authorities also organized approximately 1,000 of the force as the Daraawishta Booliska, a mobile group used to keep peace between warring clans in the interior.

In 1970, the then military government created the Somali Custodial Corps as a separate entity from the existing police structures.