Royal Bhutan Police

What Royal Bhutan Police does

Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) is the national law enforcement agency of Bhutan, established in 1965 and operating under the Royal Government of Bhutan. Headquartered in Thimphu, RBP delivers comprehensive policing services — crime prevention and investigation, traffic management, fire and rescue, prison services, VIP security, and border interdiction — through 14 field divisions covering all 20 dzongkhags of Bhutan, supported by dedicated emergency helplines (111 for traffic, 110 for fire, 113 for crime, and 1010 in Thimphu). Specialized units include the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Narcotic Drugs and Other Vices Division (NDOVD), Woman and Child Protection Division, Police Forensic Services, the Special Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Bomb Disposal Unit, Canine Unit, and the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL liaison.

RBP is funded entirely through annual national budget allocations from the Royal Government of Bhutan and supplementary international grants, with no commercial revenue model — police services are provided free of charge to all citizens and residents. The agency is undergoing a technology modernization program anchored by the indigenously developed AI-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, built with Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI) and integrated into the Safe City infrastructure across Gelephu, Sarpang, and Thimphu. Digital services include CPMS, the E-Pass application system (1010.bt), and online e-governance platforms for crime reporting and lost-and-found services.

RBP has expanded its international partnerships significantly in 2025–2026, securing firefighting fleet grants from the Government of India (Nu. 72M, 13th Five-Year Plan), Government of Japan (39 fire vehicles total via GGP, with USD 231,235 for refurbishment), and Canton of Zurich (Nu. 29.12M since 2015). Strategic bilateral cooperation with Singapore Police Force focuses on digital technology, cybercrime, and forensics. RBP also participates in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan, deploys personnel for training in India (NIESBUD leadership program, Canine Unit), and is executing the Yarju Open-Air Prison reintegration project (target July 2027) in partnership with PEMA Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The force is currently led by Brigadier Phub Gyaltshen, the 8th Chief of Police, with Colonel Lhundrup Dorji serving as Additional Chief of Police.

Name

Royal Bhutan Police

Legal name

Royal Bhutan Police

Website

https://rbp.gov.bt

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Royal Bhutan Police is Bhutan's national law enforcement agency, operating 14 field divisions across all 20 dzongkhags to provide crime prevention, traffic management, fire/rescue, prison services, and border security, funded by government budget and deploying an indigenous AI-enabled ANPR system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Law Enforcement Services

NAICS

Police Protection (92212), Police Protection (922120), Fire Protection (92216), National Security (928110)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Police Services (Patrol, Response & Community Policing) (BPAIAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialized Law Enforcement Units (SWAT, K9, Bomb Squad, Tactical) (BPAIAGAH), Special Operations & Counterterrorism (BPAIAHAH), Fire Watch & Safety Patrol Services (BPAKAAAK), Airport Patrol & Rapid Response Services (BPAKAMAE), Patrol & Perimeter Security K9 Services (BPAKAKAB)

Keywords

• Law enforcement services
• Public safety operations
• Crime prevention and investigation
• Emergency response services
• Traffic management

Headquarters

HQ city

Thimphu

HQ country

Bhutan

HQ region

Asia

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Royal Bhutan Police operates as a government agency funded through annual national budget allocations from the Royal Government of Bhutan. Revenue comes from tax-based government expenditure rather than commercial revenue generation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Royal Bhutan Police is the national law enforcement agency of Bhutan, providing crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic management, fire and rescue, prison services, and national security operations. The agency operates 14 field divisions covering all 20 dzongkhags, supported by specialized units for intelligence, narcotics enforcement, women and child protection, forensics, and counter-terrorism. It also delivers digital public safety services including 24-hour emergency helplines, an E-Pass application system, and online e-governance platforms.

Product overview

The Royal Bhutan Police operates as a unified law enforcement agency providing comprehensive policing services through multiple specialized departments and 14 field divisions covering all of Bhutan's dzongkhags. The organization offers core services including crime prevention and investigation, traffic management, emergency response (fire and rescue), prison services, and security operations. Recent technology initiatives include the Safe City Project integrating AI-driven Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in Gelephu, Sarpang, and Thimphu. Additional digital services include an E-Pass application system, emergency helpline services (Dial 111/110/113), and online e-governance platforms for crime reporting and public safety information. Specialized units include the Investigation Bureau (with INTERPOL NCB), Narcotic Drugs and Other Vices Division (NDOVD), Canine Unit, Woman and Child Protection Division, and the Special Reserve Police Force with National Search and Rescue Training Center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Safe City Project
• AI-Driven ANPR System
• Emergency Helpline Services (Dial 111/110/113)
• Online Services and E-Governance Platforms
• E-Pass Application System
• Investigation Bureau
• Fire and Rescue Services Division
• Prison Services Division
• Field Divisions (14 Divisions)
• Traffic Division
• Police Training Institute (PTI)
• Security Division
• Special Reserve Police Force and National Search and Rescue Training Center
• Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
• Narcotic Drugs and Other Vices Division (NDOVD)
• Woman and Child Protection Division
• Police Forensic Services Division
• National Central Bureau (NCB) - INTERPOL
• Crime Prevention Division (CPD) Devises and executes community policing strategies across Bhutan, including outreach programs and crime awareness initiatives.
• Canine Unit Trained dog units deployed for drug detection, search operations, and criminal investigations. Personnel receive specialized training internationally, including in India.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful drug seizures including 24,867 SP+ capsules and 109 N10 tablets at Phuentsholing border
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2026Under Government of India Project Tied Assistance, 14 senior RBP officers attended two-week ILOGE programme on Innovative Leadership for Organizational Growth and Excellence at NIESBUD, India.
• Singapore Police ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 October 2025Bilateral meeting to enhance partnership in digital technology, cybercrime, forensics, community policing, and capacity development. RBP highlighted Bhutan's initiatives leveraging AI and CCTV systems. Both forces committed to building a more professional and innovative police force.
• Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandcoreOthers · 16 October 2025Canton of Zurich handed over ten three-tiered extension ladders to Fire and Rescue Service Division. Since 2015, Canton of Zurich has supported RBP with Nu. 29.12 million through training and equipment for firefighting and traffic management capacities. Support includes Road Safety and Capacity Building Project and Fire Safety Project.
• Department of Air Transport, Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, Customs, Immigration, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2025Stakeholder coordination meeting for NDOVU office at Paro International Airport to combat drug smuggling and transnational crimes. Inter-agency collaboration to ensure airport security from drug trafficking and gold smuggling.
• United Nations Peacekeeping Centre, TabaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 202512-day Training of Trainers program on Prevention and Investigation of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) conducted by Mobile Training Team from Germany. 16 RBP personnel participated including 13 officers and 3 female NCOs from Formed Police Unit.
• Government of JapancoreOthers · 17 July 2025Japan donated five fully equipped firefighting vehicles under 'The Project for the Provision of Recycled Fire Engines for Western Bhutan' through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). Total of 39 firefighting vehicles donated to Bhutan. Grant of USD 231,235 for refurbishment.
• Government of IndiacoreOthers · 25 June 2025Government of India provided Nu. 72 million grant under 13th Five-Year Plan for fire and rescue fleet. Five firefighting vehicles and one rescue vehicle procured for Nu. 40.32 million. Handover ceremony at RBP Headquarters.
• Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 June 2025RBP signed MoU with HRAB to foster safe, secure, and crime-free environment within Bhutan's hospitality industry. Awareness sessions conducted on crime prevention, drug abuse, and security protocols.
• Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI)coreTechnology or Integration · 17 April 2025RBP and DHI signed a contract agreement to implement an AI-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system in Bhutan. Initial phase involves installing ANPR cameras in Gelephu, Sarpang, and Thimphu, integrated into Safe City infrastructure. System developed indigenously to meet RBP requirements.
• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2025Tripartite agreement with RBP and Pema Secretariat to establish Yarju Open-Air Prison for Prisoners' Reintegration by July 2027 in Wangduephodrang. Initiative includes agriculture farm in about 300 acres for sustainable farming and prisoner skill development.
• U.S. State DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2025Meeting with U.S. State Department delegation and officials from U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to discuss combating human trafficking, focusing on prevention, prosecution, and victim protection.
• TikTokminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRBP met with TikTok officials to discuss enhancing responsible and positive use of social media, fostering positive online environment, and exploring collaboration to prevent criminals and traffickers from exploiting platforms.
• Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCCI offered opportunity for Prison Service Division to participate in Trade Fair for Bhutanese Products. Platform provided to showcase handcrafted products made by inmates for rehabilitation and reintegration purposes.
• Pema SecretariatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Pema Secretariat for vocational training delivery across prison system and for Yarju Open-Air Prison project for prisoner reintegration. Joint efforts include prison-based SUD Treatment and Care Services.
• INTERPOLcoreTechnology or IntegrationNational Central Bureau (NCB) - INTERPOL serves as liaison for international police cooperation, maintaining criminal records, locating fugitives, 24/7 communication with Interpol, and cross-border crime investigations.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Hong Kong Police Force: Advanced Asia-Pacific police force known for technology adoption in surveillance and policing — provides a benchmark for the digital and AI-enabled policing trajectory RBP is pursuing through its ANPR/Safe City programme.
• Royal Thai Police: Large Southeast Asian national police force with similarly broad remit including traffic, immigration liaison, and narcotics; comparable in offering an integrated service portfolio across a single national jurisdiction.
• Singapore Police Force: Established and far larger regional policing leader — has an active bilateral partnership with RBP, shares ASEAN context, and operates at a much more mature level of digital policing, forensics, and counter-narcotics capability that RBP aspires to.
• Indian Police Service: India's national-level police service — provides regional training (NIESBUD, canine), fire/rescue grants, and capacity building to RBP, and is a broader incumbent comparator for the South Asian law enforcement operating model.
• Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM): Malaysia's national police — comparable in providing integrated law enforcement with specialized units (narcotics, criminal investigation, special forces), though operating at much larger scale and across a more complex territory.

Others

• INTERPOL: International police cooperation organization — RBP's NCB-INTERPOL operates as the national liaison, making INTERPOL a structural peer for cross-border policing, intelligence exchange, and fugitive operations.
• Royal Bhutan Army: Bhutan's primary national security counterpart — operates under the same Royal Government with overlapping national security remit; relevant comparator for state security resourcing and personnel scale within the same jurisdiction.

Direct peers

• Nepal Police: National police force of Nepal — comparable South Asian, mountainous, small-population country with similar mandate spanning crime prevention, traffic, and disaster response, and with a comparable structure of centralized HQ and regional divisions.
• Royal Brunei Police Force: National police force of Brunei — comparable small Southeast Asian monarchy with a unified national force providing police, fire, and rescue services, and a similar compact territorial scope.
• Maldives Police Service: National police service of the Maldives — comparable small South Asian nation police force operating with limited personnel and significant donor support, focused on similar crime, drug interdiction, and tourism-related safety mandates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DRUKPOLRBP
• Facebookfacebook.com/royalbhutanpolicehqs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/royal-bhutan-police

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries34 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Royal Bhutan Police