The **National Police of Colombia** is the country’s sole civilian police force, tasked with maintaining public order, protecting citizens, and enforcing the law across Colombia. Established officially in 1891 under Law 90 of 1888, it was initially created as a gendarmerie for Bogotá, influenced and trained by French police expertise, reflecting a militaristic and hierarchical structure still evident today[1][2]. Its primary mission has been to uphold constitutional rights, prevent crime, and ensure public tranquility without discrimination. Historically, the Colombian National Police evolved amid intense political turmoil and civil conflict between liberal and conservative factions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. These conflicts shaped the police’s role as a key institution in managing citizen coexistence and security in a country marked by violence and political unrest[2]. Over time, the force expanded nationwide and became a critical actor in Colombia’s internal security apparatus. In recent decades, the Colombian National Police has undergone significant modernization and reforms, notably launching in 2010 the National Quadrant Policing Model (MNVCC), which integrates community policing, problem-oriented strategies, and evidence-based law enforcement methods inspired by global best practices. However, assessments of this model’s impact on crime rates and public perception are mixed, influenced by political dynamics and data limitations[3]. Currently, the National Police operates under the Ministry of Defense, with the Police Chief appointed by the president. It plays a vital role in combating organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and environmental crimes, often collaborating internationally through INTERPOL and other agencies to address transnational threats[4]. Notably, the police maintain a strategic operational unit, DIJIN, which leads criminal investigations and international cooperation. The force’s ongoing challenges include balancing rigorous law enforcement with respect for human rights amid Colombia’s complex social and political landscape—making it a pivotal institution in the country’s security and governance framework[4][3].