This building has been called Lensmannsgården - meaning the local policeman lived here - probably since 1790, but it could be even older. In 1910 the policeman moved to the southern part of Vårøy.
Working as a police officer was usually linked to other sources of income - from fishing and agriculture. In addition to normal police matters, the policeman also had oversight of the traditional cod fishery. The sea around Vårøy could be very rough - and two of the police officers from Breivid drowned along with crew and family.