The primary function of the SFSO is to operate the system of county jails where there is an average population of 2,200 inmates, and a number of individuals on supervised release programs.

[2] In March 2012, Mayor Ed Lee appointed Vicki Hennessy as Interim Sheriff after Mirkarimi was suspended for official misconduct.

[5] In September 2021, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí introduced legislation that would allow off-duty deputies to work as security guards at private businesses during overtime hours, like the San Francisco Police Department, amidst a rise in smash and grab retail theft.

When opened in 1934, it replaced the outdated Ingleside jails, which dated from the late 1800s, and were located on the site of today's City College of San Francisco.

[10] Prior to the new facility opening, the most modern San Francisco Jail was the one located near the Hall of Justice on Seventh Street.

This main complex jail is a "direct supervision facility [that] has become a national model for program-oriented prisoner rehabilitation."

While in custody, prisoners are afforded the opportunity to attend various classes that can earn credit towards a high school diploma.