The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Police Department provides contemporary police services including criminal investigation, community policing, crime prevention and suppression, emergency management, and site security services to a daily population of over 40,000 people at University and contract locations. Founded in 1864, UCSF includes the 107-acre Parnassus campus that is home to graduate professionals in dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy; a graduate division for pre- and postdoctoral scientists; UCSF Medical Center; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital; and Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. UCSF is considered one of the nation's premier health sciences teaching, training, and research centers. UCSF is the only UC campus dedicated exclusively to the health sciences.

Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant or Police Lieutenant, a UCSF Police Officer protects life and property and enforces local, state and federal laws. Incumbents perform regular law enforcement duties including: providing community policing, foot and vehicle patrol of University of California and surrounding properties, investigating and preparing preliminary investigation reports, issuing citations, making arrests, assisting in the prosecution of violators of law, providing crime prevention information, and serving as a proactive resource to a uniquely diverse community. Officers may also work as part of a security detail with civilian and other law enforcement agencies at University events, and perform other duties as assigned.