Richmond Police deal mostly with residents in this northwest corner of the city, but Richmond also includes the long commercial, shopping and restaurant corridors of Geary Boulevard and Clement Street, most of Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the University of San Francisco campus. Historic highlights here are: Sutro Park, the turn-of-the-century Penny Arcade and the Cliff House. The SFPD Richmond Station is part of the San Francisco Police Department's Goldengate Division.

The district that is covered by the Richmond Police Station was given its name by an Australian immigrant, George Turner March, who made his living as a Japanese fine art dealer. One of the neighborhood's earliest residents, Marsh called his home "the Richmond House" after Richmond, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia.  The area started out as nothing more than an expanse of sand dunes but it was developed in the late 19th century.  Many of the homes here vary from turn-of-the-century Edwardians to modern apartments, often right next door to each other. There are also some of the last remaining earthquake cabins from 1906 between rows of houses.

Individuals arrested at the Richmond Station will be brought to the station for a short intake  process and detective interview if necessary. After the defendant will be transported to one of the San Francisco County Jails which are operated by the Sheriff's Department Custody Division. Transportation from the SFPD station to a SFSD jail occurs every two to four hours.