The Commonwealth Police Force [II] was established under the
Commonwealth Police Act 1957 which came into force by proclamation on 21 April 1960 (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No.27 of 1960,
19 April 1960, p.1359).

The Force was to consist of:

     a) Commonwealth Police Officers of such number ranks and grades
        as the  Attorney-General, with the concurrence of the Public
        Service Board  determines; and

     b) special Commonwealth Police Officers appointed by the
        Attorney-General at any time on terms and conditions that he
        thinks fit.  

A Commonwealth Police officers had powers and duties similar to those of a constable.  However they were not required under a state or Territory Law, to obtain a licence or permission for any act in the performance of their duties or to register any vehicle, vessel, animal or article belonging to the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Police Force under a Commissioner located in Canberra replaced the Commonwealth Investigation Service (CA 650).  The Attorney-General was required under section 11 of the
Commonwealth Police Act 1957 to have an annual report prepared containing a general review of the operation of the Force and a summary of its activities and to lay it before Parliament.

The creation of the Department of Police and Customs (CA 1862) by the Administrative Arrangements Order of 27 March 1975 (Australian Government Gazette, No. S59, 27 March 1975, p.1-3) taking police functions from the Attorney-General's Department (CA 5), and Customs functions from the abolished Department of Customs and Excise (CA 62) endorsed the decision to merge the police forces of the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island with the Commonwealth Police and the Australian Bureau of Investigation and the Narcotics Bureau to form Australia Police (CA 1892).
Historical agency address
49 Jardine St, Kingston ACT
Legislation administered
Commonwealth of Australia Acts, No.85 of 1957; Commonwealth Police Act, 1957-