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The Gendarmerie Corps (: Cuerpo de Gendarmería) is the national gendarmarie of Ventora. Although technically part of the armed forces, it is overseen by the Interior Commission during peacetime.

In 1848, King Andrés I expanded the Royal Guard by levying the armies of the various duchies. Andrés' purpose was to ensure he had control of a military force loyal to the crown and independent from the dukes. The stated purpose was protection of the country's borders. These forces became known as the Gendarmerie to distinguish them from the king's guard personnel because of the difference in their roles although the entire force was under the direction of the Constable of Ventora, a military officer charged with protecting the royal household and its holdings.

As a military force with a law enforcement writ, the Gendarmerie was charged with military police functions in 1878 by King Roque. This was part of an effort to professionalize the armies of the duchies. The reforms went a long way to providing national oversight over the military, including the setting of military standards and establishing a uniform code of military justice.

King Vincente added coastal patrol to the role of the Gendarmerie in 1883 so the navy could concentrate on operations at sea. To reduce thievery in the ports, port protection was added in 1892. Diplomatic security was added in 1936 to safeguard Ventoran missions abroad as well as protecting foreign missions in Ventora. (See More...)

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