As a full service, civilian policing service, Halifax Regional Police has a long and proud history of serving the citizens of Halifax. Its history dates back to 1864, when the Halifax Police Department was formally established, although the area has had some form of policing since it was first settled in 1749. Halifax Regional Police was formed in April 1996 when the police departments of Halifax, Dartmouth, and Bedford were dissolved and merged into one police service following the creation of the Halifax Regional Municipality.