They are assigned to, or purchase, a specific area, or beat and charge private clients hourly rates for a variety of services. [1]

The force has been in operation since 1847 during the California Gold Rush. By current City Code the force provides patrols on the streets of San Francisco as well as at fixed locations, and also provides a range of other safety services as requested by private clients.

The San Francisco Patrol Special Police is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States and credited for the first modern U.S. adaption of the Community policing concept. [2][3][4][5] [6]

As of 2011, there were approximately 40 patrol special police officers.[7]