## Overview The **San Francisco Police Department (SFPD)** is the primary law enforcement agency for the City and County of San Francisco, California. Its mission is to ensure public safety, maintain order, and serve the diverse communities of San Francisco through professional, ethical, and community-oriented policing. The SFPD patrols neighborhoods, investigates crimes, enforces laws, and works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to address both routine and complex public safety challenges. ## History Founded on **August 13, 1849**, during the chaotic early days of the California Gold Rush, the SFPD is one of the oldest police departments in the United States[1][3]. Its first chief, **Captain Malachi Fallon**, led a small, untrained force operating out of a schoolhouse on Portsmouth Square[1][7]. Early accounts describe a city in “hopeless chaos,” with law enforcement struggling to establish legitimacy amidst rapid population growth, racial diversity, and rampant crime[1][3]. Over the decades, the department evolved, adopting uniforms, military-style drills, and modern investigative techniques—including photography for criminal identification—by the late 19th century[9]. Major milestones include the post-1906 earthquake reorganization, modernization during the 1920s–1940s, and significant involvement in civil rights demonstrations and student protests during the 1960s[5][9]. The SFPD faced repeated challenges, including corruption scandals in the 1930s and ongoing scrutiny over use of force and racial bias in the 21st century[9]. ## Key Achievements The SFPD has been a pioneer in several areas. It was among the first to use photography for criminal identification in the 1850s[9]. In recent years, the department has been recognized for its voluntary participation in the **Collaborative Reform Initiative**, a nationwide effort to improve policing practices. In 2025, the SFPD completed it