This system was newly introduced after the end of World War II with the objective of ensuring the democratic management and political neutrality of the police administration by which knowledgeable public representatives manage police work. The National Public Safety Commission is comprised of six members: a Chair, as a cabinet minister, and five regular members.

The Commission gathered for the first time on March 8, 1948, under the old Police Law, and the First Meeting of the National Public Safety Commission under the new Police Law was held on July 1, 1954 (the day the new Police Law was enacted).

A cabinet minister is appointed as Chair of the Commission in order to clarify the responsibility of the Cabinet to the safety policy. There are five regular members, because in order to adopt any decision with a majority, the Commission, as a council body, must be comprised of an odd number of members. If the votes are split evenly, the Chair takes the decision.