The Kochi City Police, also known as the Ernakulam City Police, has a history that dates back to the early 19th century. The police in Kochi originated in 1812 when officials named Dhanadaran were appointed in each Taluk. In 1883, the Kochi Police was formally established, with George Gunther as the first Superintendent. The police system evolved over the years, with the headquarters moving to Thrissur in 1920, and the Cochin Police Manual being formed in 1941.

After India's independence, in 1947, the Cochin State Royal Police merged with Royal Travancore Police to form the Travancore-Kochi State Police. When Kerala state was formed, this force became part of Kerala Police. Kochi City Police was reorganized as a Metro Police force on April 1, 1966, coinciding with the formation of the Kochi City Corporation by merging three municipalities&mdashFort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam. Since then, it has been headed by a Police Commissioner, typically an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

Kochi City Police District is recognized as one of the most advanced police forces in Kerala, playing a key role in law enforcement and community policing. Over the years, the city police force has expanded and adapted to meet the needs of a growing urban population.

Formally the District Police Office, Kochi City was functioning at High Court Junction Ernakulam. In the year 2009 District Police Office was shifted to the new building (rented building) at 11 th Floor of Revenue Tower Park Avenue Road Ernakulam . The building was owned by Kerala Government and the office of special units like District Special Branch, DCRB, Cyber Cell etc housed in the building.