The creation of I.S.F.:
   Lebanon did not know a police organization, in the modern and legal meaning, before the creation of the lebanese Gendarmerie by virtue of the 1861 protocol. Before this year, the Lebanese Emirs, with the help of their armed men, were in charge of policing, law enforcement and tax-collection. We will present here after a summary of the creation of the I.S.F.

The mandate of Emir Fakhreddine II (He acceded to the throne in 1589):
    Emir Fakhreddine II is the founder of the modern Lebanese State. After a perturbed childhood, he acceded in 1589 and started working for the unification of the country, by destroying some independent objecting Lebanese families.  In order to keep order and execute the usual police missions, the Emir created a group of armed men, “Zelems”, i.e. direct servants. There were also other little groups of “Zelems” for feudal lords. when internal disorders used to threaten the security of the country, the Emir did not hesitate to ask for the help of his professional elements “The Sikmans”, who were foreign mercenaries. Nevertheless, he avoided the participation of “Bedouins”, known to be thieves and murderers.