Royal Brunei Police Force
The Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF is in charge of keeping law and order in Brunei. The RBPF has been one of the 190 members of INTERPOL, an intergovernmental organisation worldwide since 1984.
With a force of more than 4,400 officers, the RBPF is responsible for keeping law and order and providing law enforcement services. The mandate for the RBPF in keeping the law in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam includes the prevention, detection and investigation of crime, collection of criminal intelligence, traffic control, escort duties, sea and border patrol, public order, riot as well as public event control.
History
Early history
Before the British Residency introduced a formal policing system in 1906, Brunei's national security and communal peace were managed by thirteen government officers, most notably the Pengiran Temenggong. This official not only ensured land and marine security but also served as the sultan's escort on his journeys, leading the royal entourage with a symbolic token, followed by Sakai attendants. Beyond his role as protector, the Pengiran Temenggong held judicial authority, commanded Brunei's armed forces during wartime, and was empowered by the Brunei Code of Law to impose severe penalties, including the death penalty, without requiring prior approval from the sultan.As both chief judge and chief enforcer, the Pengiran Temenggong handled an extensive array of responsibilities that encompassed judicial, administrative, and security affairs. His duties spanned law enforcement, naval command, governance of newly acquired territories, and overseeing public order, including the maintenance of roads, buildings, and other municipal structures. During royal processions, he symbolically led the entourage, often riding on the head of an elephant in front of the sultan. By upholding law and order and suppressing potential revolts, he effectively functioned as Brunei's chief of police before the formal establishment of a police force. This role mirrored the Temenggong
Road to establishment (1906–1921)
In 1906, two officers from the Straits Settlements Police Force were assigned to Brunei Town, now known as Bandar Seri Begawan, marking the beginning of Brunei's police history. This arrangement stemmed from the strong administrative ties between Brunei and the Colony of Labuan, a territory that had been ceded to Britain in 1846. From April 1906, Labuan was governed under the Straits Settlements, with Resident McArthur overseeing both Labuan and Brunei. Due to financial difficulties, Brunei's government effectively merged with that of Labuan, facilitating shared control and resources until 1921.Under Resident McArthur, the history of Brunei's police force became closely intertwined with its administrative union with the Colony of Labuan. Brunei lacked the infrastructure and resources to support British authorities, including a chief police officer, on its own. Consequently, the Straits Settlements Police Force initially provided support, which extended to police administration as well. This collaboration was made possible because Labuan had superior facilities. Additionally, Brunei's low level of education resulted in a shortage of skilled local workers, emphasising the need for pooled resources. A small police station and prison were established within the British Resident's Office. The resident oversaw the police force until 1908, after which the Labuan CPO took command until 1920.
Between 1906 and 1920, Brunei's police force steadily expanded in response to increasing demands for crime control and governance. However, due to a lack of local involvement and general inexperience with formal policing, the force, initially staffed by Sikh and Malay officers from the Straits Settlements Police in Labuan, struggled to gain community trust. Slow educational development further limited the pool of eligible local candidates, complicating local recruitment. Although serious crimes were infrequent, the police faced challenges in raising public awareness and reporting, with village leaders often addressing smaller issues. Nonetheless, by 1919, interest in police employment grew, spurred by the positive image portrayed by Malay officers from the Straits Settlements, leading to an increasing waiting list for recruits.
The early police force in Brunei primarily supported local authorities in enforcing laws and maintaining public order, with responsibilities that included protecting government buildings and official residences. Legislative measures such as the Firearms Enactment and the Alien Registration Enactment expanded the police's duties and role in ensuring state security. Early policemen were primarily drawn from the Straits Settlements Police Force due to the low literacy rates and lack of police training among residents. In response to rising crime complaints, the police presence increased from 12 officers in 1906 to a more widespread deployment throughout Brunei, with personnel assigned to regions such as Muara, Tutong, Belait, and eventually Temburong. By 1915, an increase in funding, aligned with the rise in the country's revenue, allowed for further development of police infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
As crime rates in Brunei rose, the police budget was increased to accommodate the growth in personnel, facilities, and equipment. Initially, the BRO in Brunei Town served as the sole police station and barracks. By 1907, despite the Brooke family's mining concessions at the Brooketon Colliery, the British Resident expanded the police presence, establishing additional stations and barracks in strategic locations such as Kuala Balai and Tutong. A new station for Sikh officers from the Straits Settlements was constructed in Muara in 1910, and additional barracks were built in Temburong by 1918. The barracks at BRO were relocated to Brunei Town in 1920, and the number of police posts grew from four stations in 1907 to include Temburong by 1915, eventually extending to the Labu and Rangau regions.
Between 1906 and 1920, the police force faced several challenges, including issues of discipline, a lack of resources, and delays in crime reporting. The force's reputation suffered due to disciplinary incidents, such as the intoxication of Indian officers in 1908 and a general lack of interest among some Malay officers in 1909. Ineffective policing was compounded by inadequate infrastructure, limited investigative tools, and difficulties in recruitment. Crimes such as theft, murder, assault, smuggling, and property offenses were on the rise, prompting calls for a dedicated police force in Brunei. This demand intensified after a Sikh policeman from Labuan killed British resident E. B. Maundrell in 1916. In 1920, reliance on the Straits Settlements police ended when the government passed legislation to establish a distinct Brunei Police Force, with Chief Inspector F. Mann appointed as its head effective 1 January 1921.
Further developments (1921–1941)
After the Police Force Enactment was approved on 22 December 1920, the government was authorised to establish its own police force in anticipation of Brunei's autonomy from the Straits Settlements administration in 1921, leading to the official formation of the Brunei Police Force. This decision was driven by Brunei's growing population, which rose from 21,718 in 1911 to 25,454 in 1921, alongside a significant increase in resource export earnings, which climbed from $51,777 in 1907 to $201,250 in 1920. The murder of British resident E. B. Maundrell by a Sikh police officer underscored the urgent need for local governance. The Police Force Enactment, consisting of 12 pages and 42 clauses, came into effect on 1 January 1921, outlining the administration, roles, and conduct of police officers, while granting the Resident authority to implement regulatory changes for effectiveness and accountability.Following this enactment, the Brunei Police Force underwent a significant transformation between 1921 and 1941, evolving into a fully independent organization distinct from the Straits Settlements Police Force. Despite this separation, the Brunei Police Force continued to rely on personnel from the Straits Settlements due to a lack of qualified local applicants for senior roles. This dependence on external expertise was crucial for developing a capable police force, as local staff needed training and guidance to advance their careers.
During this period, the Brunei Police Force experienced changes in financing, infrastructure, logistics, human resources, and administration. Rapid economic growth and demographic shifts from Brunei's oil discoveries complicated policing amid an expanding population and rising crime rates. In response, the Brunei Police Force expanded its responsibilities and provided training in fundamental enforcement techniques. Recognising the importance of education, the force established a constable class to enhance officers' skills and offered allowances to those who could read and write.
Between 1921 and 1941, the Brunei Police Force gradually earned the trust of the local population through efforts to maintain a positive image and enhance officer effectiveness. Although the number of recorded incidents increased, the types of criminal cases remained consistent with those from 1906 to 1920, and the police successfully managed rising crime rates. The government's cooperation with the police, including the issuance of identification certificates in 1934 and the approval of new laws, helped regulate criminal activity and build public confidence.
During this time, the Brunei Police Force was predominantly staffed by officers from the Straits Settlements. While local recruitment efforts began, there was a shortage of qualified candidates for higher positions. British officers continued to hold top ranks, although Pengiran Damit bin Pengiran Omar Ali and Awang Ibrahim bin Nudin became the first Bruneians to attain the rank of sergeant major in 1934. With support from Sergeant Major Muhammad Daud, Inspector F. Mann became the first European CPO after the separation from the Straits Settlements Police Force. Chief Inspector G. C. McAfee addressed efficiency issues by implementing allowances for literate officers and establishing a shooting range in 1923, while a spy class was introduced in 1931 under Inspector H. J. Spinks to improve educational standards among police officers.