Royal Dominica Police Force (RDPF)

The Royal Dominica Police Force (RDPF) was the official name of Dominica’s primary law enforcement agency during the period of British colonial administration. It was tasked with enforcing colonial laws, maintaining order, and safeguarding the interests of the British Crown on the island. The organisation served as the direct predecessor to today’s Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), which assumed its new identity after the country gained independence in 1978.

Historical background of the Royal Dominica Police Force

The origins of the Royal Dominica Police Force can be traced to the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when Britain standardized colonial policing structures across the Caribbean. In Dominica, as in other colonies, the police were modeled on paramilitary organizations with a clear hierarchy and a mandate to secure British authority. The “Royal” designation emphasised its allegiance to the monarchy, highlighting its role as an extension of imperial governance.

The RDPF was not only a local force but also part of a regional policing tradition, sharing practices and occasionally personnel with neighboring colonies such as Saint Lucia and Grenada. Officers were trained under British methods, focusing on discipline, command structure, and strict enforcement of colonial laws.

Functions and duties during the colonial period

The Royal Dominica Police Force carried out a wide range of duties, often reflecting the priorities of the colonial administration rather than local communities. Among its primary functions were:

• Law enforcement and order maintenance – Upholding colonial statutes on property, labor, and trade.
• Support for customs and border controls – Assisting in intercepting smuggling operations and monitoring maritime arrivals.
• Disaster response – Providing manpower during hurricanes and flooding, though resources were limited.
• Labor and community oversight – Monitoring strikes, protests, and political agitation, particularly in the years leading up to constitutional reform.
• Judicial support – Executing warrants, managing custody of prisoners, and assisting magistrates’ courts.

Transition to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force

When Dominica achieved independence on 3 November 1978, the Royal Dominica Police Force was formally renamed the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF). This transition symbolized the country’s sovereignty and separation from colonial authority, though the institutional structure of policing remained largely intact. Over time, the CDPF expanded its functions to include modern responsibilities such as drug enforcement, cybercrime investigations, and regional security cooperation.

Legacy of the Royal Dominica Police Force

The RDPF is remembered as both a symbol of colonial power and as the foundation of Dominica’s modern policing system. Its structure, ranks, and organizational culture provided the blueprint for today’s national police service. While the CDPF now operates under democratic oversight and is oriented toward community security, the RDPF remains part of Dominica’s historical development, marking the bridge between colonial governance and independent law enforcement.