In 1949, as a result of the  integration of Travancore and Cochin, the Police Forces in these States were combined and placed under one Inspector - General of Police.  In order to achieve uniformity in ranks, the Station House Officers in Travancore area were also designated as Sub - Inspectors.  The Traffic and Taxation Branch and the Armed Reserve were separated and each unit was placed under a separate Superintendent of Police.  The Palace Guards Unit was merged with the Police Department.

The Superintendent of Police, Kollam is the head of the Department of Police at the district level.  He is directly responsible to the Inspector - General of Police, South zone, with headquarters at Thiruvanathapuram. 

The entire Police District is divided into three (3) sub divisions namely Kollam, Karunagappally and Punalur and each sub division is placed under the control of a Deputy Superintendent of Police. 

The Sub-divisions are again divided into Circles which in their turn are sub divided into Police Stations. The Circles are under the control of Circle Inspectors and Police Stations are managed by Sub Inspectors.

There are altogether 3 Deputy Superintendent of Police offices, 13 Circle Offices, 29 Police Stations, One Traffic Police Station are in the district.