The South Coast Local Service Area operates within the Southern Operations Service. It is situated south-west of Adelaide and south of the Field River through to Sellicks Beach and east through to Willunga, Range Road West. The area is approximately 490 square kilometres and has over 134,000 residents.

The South Coast Headquarters is situated at the Christies Beach Police Complex, 94 Dyson Road, Christie Downs. The Police Complex is staffed by dedicated officers from Patrols, Criminal Investigation Branch, Traffic Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Drug Action Team, Administration, Intelligence Section, Planning and the Criminal Justice Section.

The Local Service Area incorporates Police Stations at Aldinga (Corner of McRae Street and Heathersay Avenue, Aldinga Beach) and McLaren Vale (Main Street, McLaren Vale) and a patrol unit operates from Noarlunga Centre (Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre). The South Coast LSA incorporates the local government area of the City of Onkaparinga council district.

The outer Metropolitan region, with its idyllic Mediterranean-style climate, proximity to stunning beaches and wealth of food, wine and hospitality experiences, encourages local, interstate and international visitors to the area.

Well known events include, the annual Sea & Vines Festival held on the June long weekend which attracts up to 65,000 across two days. The Almond Blossom Festival and up to four 'A Day on the Greens' per year, held at Leconfield Winery, McLaren Vale, show casing artists from across the world. The Tour Down Under is a significant boost to the areas economy spending up to 3 days in the South Coast LSA.