Describes the development & operations of the L.A.S.P.C. nightwatch program, emphasizing the changing personnel, their selection, & their supervision. The educational level & sex of nightwatchers between 1963-1969 were compared. Special problems are noted: a) increase in number of calls; b) use of a private telephone to route calls to a worker’s home; c) isolation of workers who take calls in their homes; and d) cost of 24-hr service.