The Otago Police District comprise nearly all Otago. It is bounded on the east by the sea; on the north by Shag river; on the west by Cromwell and Tapanui, down to Waipahi junction, and thence in a direct line to the sea. There are thirty-six stations in the district, and with the exception of Port Chalmers, Lawrence and Clyde, each station is in charge of a constable, under the direct supervision of the inspector. Formerly the head office was in Maelanggan Street, but now it is in Lower High Street, and consists of a two-storey building in brick, erected in 1895. The present police staff for the whole district consists of an inspector, sub-inspector, eight sergeants, five detectives, one mounted constable (for the city), seventy constables, and a matron for female prisoners.

Inspector Terence O'Brien , Chief of Police for the Otago District, was born at Limerick, Ireland, in 1849, and arrived in New Zealand early in 1869, by the ship “Lady Egidia.” For five years after landing he was engaged in gold mining. In 1874 he joined the Otago police force, and three years later he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He served in that capacity for two years, when he was promoted to detective, and served as such till 1889. He then became sub-inspector, and in 1900 was appointed inspector. Mr. O'Brien was married, in 1885, and has four daughters and two sons.