During each shift, patrol officers are deployed into specific geographic areas called "beats" (see map). Patrol beats enable officers to respond to calls for service more quickly and effectively. Beats also help officers to manage neighborhood issues and crime problems better.

The nine patrol beats are structured to take advantage of natural boundaries such as major roadways, B.A.R.T., railroads, and to maintain the integrity of individual neighborhoods. Minimally, each shift will have one officer assigned to patrol each of the nine beats.