In July 1987, the SOS numbered 28, including 1 inspector, 4 sergeants, and 23 police constables. Metropolitan London police policy requires that all SOS officers police street prostitution wearing full police uniform, making it almost impossible for the officers to observe and arrest the prostitutes' customers. During the day shift, the officers watched for young boys and girls who might be attracted to or involved in prostitution. After about 2:00 p.m. and throughout the evening, the officers focused on arresting regular prostitutes. They identified women and suspect prostitutes by their clothing and by their actions and movements. The behavior and dress of the suspects varied according to the neighborhoods and the kinds of customers sought. Procedures for arrest are governed by laws regulating prostitution and police conduct. Patterns of arrest vary and are often influenced by exchanges of information among officers. Some officers believed it a good policy to arrest new prostitutes in order to discourage them. The article discusses how various statutes governing street offenses, bail, vagrancy, and disturbing the peace are used by the police to arrest prostitutes and their customers. The existing laws make it much more difficult to arrest and prosecute the customers than the prostitutes. 5 references.