| Our History | |
| A citizen and merchant-sponsored neighborhood police force, known as the Special Police, has kept San Francisco neighborhoods safe since before the Gold Rush. Established in 1847 with the swearing in of two constables, the City increased Special Police to 50 sworn officers in 1851. Four years later the Special Police force was formalized in the City Charter in 1856. | |
| Special Police have
assisted City authorities with controlling criminal gangs, such
as the infamous Hounds of San Francisco. Over the years they
also maintained public safety during labor strikes, riots, and
natural disasters — including the infamous and devastating 1906
earthquake. Throughout more than a century-and-a-half of unique
neighborhood policing, Special Police have supported the City’s
public safety needs. Today, Patrol Special Police augment the San Francisco Police Department (S.F.P.D.) by providing neighborhoods with cost-effective crime prevention and safety education services financed by private clients who include merchants, professionals, homeowners’ associations, residents, street fair organizers, and government agencies and other organizations. |
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