The sworn personnel of the Department have statewide peace officer powers as provided by section 830.2(i) of the California Penal Code.

[2] The State Fair historically had a reputation for violence and disorder; between 2009 and 2017, police made an average of 66 arrests each year.

[3] In 2018, following the introduction of a new approach to policing, including "teaching officers de-escalation techniques for arrests and encouraging a warm, constructive relationship between police officers and fair goers", the number of arrests reduced to 10.

Police officers are now taught "to be more verbally communicative and calm when approaching someone with unruly conduct, instead of resorting to force.

"[1] The department maintains 200 CCTV cameras, and operates a booking facility with holding cells.