24th August, 1690 : This day saw the birth of Calcutta. The premier city was founded by Job Charnock, of Lancashire. He was the chief of British Factories of East India Company. Anchored at Sutanuti on the eastern bank of the river Hooghly, he started the settlement by merging the three villages of Kolikata, Sutanuti and Gobindopur.

The Police did not exist at that time. The Zamindar of a village or villages performed this task. He was under the Moghul Government and was responsible, for the detection and prevention of crime. In 1690, a large number of people started dwelling in the waste lands belonging to the Company. Habitation was cropping up fast and in 1704, the need for creation of a watch and ward staff was felt. Hence, a meeting was held in Fort William on 6th February, 1704 where it was decided to appoint one head person, 45 peons, 2 chhubedars (sceptre-bearers) and 20 goalas (milkmen). Thus was laid the foundation of the present day Calcutta Police.

In 1720, the East India Company was formally appointed the Zamindar of Calcutta. They took charge of both the civil and criminal administration. They were assisted by an Indian functionary popularly known as 'Black Deputy' or 'Black Zamindar'. A zamindar had under him 3 Naib-Dewans of whom one was in charge of the police. The town and its suburbs were divided into 'thanas' (Police stations), which were under the charge of a 'thanedar' with a contingent of 'naiks' and 'paiks'. A small contingent of river police was also appointed.

By a statute passed in 1778, the strength of Calcutta Police was raised to 700 'paiks' who were controlled by 31 'Thanedars' and 34 'Naibs' under a Superintendent. However, the system was still haphazard.

In 1793, the British Government introduced remarkable changes in the Police system. As per the 22nd Regulation Act, the 'Zamindar Police' system was abolished and was brought under the jurisdiction of a magistrate. Each district was divided into a few 'Thanas' or police stations. An inspector was appointed at the helm of the 'Thana' with some police personnel to assist him. In 1794, Calcutta was divided into a few wards and placed under a 'Thanedar' as the sole in-charge. The onus of the Calcutta Police was devolved on Sir Richardson, I.B. Smith, Col. Joseph, C.F. Martin and Harding. During this period, Calcutta had 25 police stations.

The city of Calcutta started to expand itself gingerly. Chowringhee and Shorts Bazaar areas were previously under 24-Parganas. But at the end of the 18th century, these 2 regions came under the jurisdiction of Calcutta and expanded the area of the city. The rapidly expanding city needed a resolute and prompt police network. Hence, Welessley organized a Committee in 1800. While exchanging views with the committee, the Magistrates proposed to divide Calcutta into 40 'Thanas' with 260 additional 'Posts.' Au reste, they forwarded another proposal of hiking salary of the workers in the 'Thanas'. However, this proposal was turned down by the government. In the same year, Samuel Davis was appointed as the Supt. General of Police (Cal.), in the month of May. The city of Calcutta and the adjoining 20 miles came within his jurisdiction.