Sheriff's Department

The Los Angeles County CA Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement, jail operations, courthouse security, civil process services, public records, parking enforcement, crime reporting, victim assistance, and other public safety services across a large and diverse jurisdiction. This guide explains how to identify the right Sheriff’s Department service, locate a patrol station, file an eligible report, search for custody information, request records, address employee conduct concerns, and use specialized programs without being sent through unrelated departments.

Start With the Right Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Service

The official Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website serves as the main entry point for residents, crime victims, visitors, attorneys, job applicants, and people seeking custody or court-related information. The department’s responsibilities extend well beyond neighborhood patrol, so choosing the correct service area can prevent delays.

Common reasons people contact the Sheriff’s Department include:

Reporting a crime or suspicious activity in an area patrolled by the department
Finding the station responsible for a home, business, or incident location
Locating a person in a Los Angeles County jail
Scheduling an inmate visit or reviewing jail rules
Requesting an arrest, crime, booking, or incarceration record
Obtaining information about civil process service or courthouse security
Reporting parking problems in unincorporated communities
Filing a complaint concerning an employee or department service
Applying for a sworn or civilian position

Not every city in Los Angeles County receives patrol service from the Sheriff’s Department. Some incorporated cities operate their own police departments, while contract cities and unincorporated communities may be served by a Sheriff’s station. Before submitting a report or request, confirm which agency has jurisdiction over the address where the incident occurred.

Find the Sheriff’s Station That Patrols Your Area

Patrol stations are often the best starting point for non-emergency law enforcement concerns. Each station serves designated communities and may handle calls for service, local crime reports, traffic matters, parking complaints, community programs, vacation checks, and follow-up questions about incidents within its jurisdiction.

The department’s Sheriff’s station directory lists patrol stations throughout Los Angeles County, including Altadena, Avalon, Carson, Century, Cerritos, Compton, Crescenta Valley, East Los Angeles, Industry, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lomita, Malibu/Lost Hills, Marina del Rey, Norwalk, Palmdale, Pico Rivera, San Dimas, Santa Clarita Valley, South Los Angeles, Temple, Walnut/Diamond Bar, and West Hollywood.

Confirm Jurisdiction Before You File Anything

Jurisdiction matters because a report submitted to the wrong agency may need to be redirected. When identifying the correct station, use the exact location of the incident rather than your mailing address. A postal city name does not always match the law enforcement agency responsible for that neighborhood.

Have the following information ready when contacting a station:

The complete incident address or nearest cross streets
The date and approximate time of the incident
A clear description of what occurred
Descriptions of involved people or vehicles
Relevant photographs, video, receipts, serial numbers, or documents
An existing report number, if the matter has already been reported

Use Local Stations for Community-Level Concerns

A local station may also provide information about community meetings, crime prevention programs, volunteer opportunities, neighborhood patrol concerns, and residential vacation checks. Availability can differ by station and may depend on staffing or local resources, so residents should contact the station that serves their property before relying on a particular program.

Report Emergencies and Non-Emergency Incidents Correctly

Call 9-1-1 when there is an immediate threat to life or property, a crime is in progress, someone is injured, a weapon is involved, or urgent law enforcement assistance is required. Online forms should never be used as a substitute for emergency response.

For incidents that are not emergencies, residents may contact the appropriate patrol station. Certain lower-level incidents may qualify for the department’s Sheriff’s Online Report Tracking System.

Know Which Reports May Be Submitted Online

The online system is limited to specific incident categories and eligibility requirements. Examples listed by the department include lost or stolen cell phones valued at $950 or less, lost or stolen property valued at $950 or less, certain vandalism incidents with damage below $400, theft from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less, and theft from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less.

A supplemental loss form may also be available when the person already has an LASD report number. This option is designed for adding qualifying loss information to an existing report rather than reporting an entirely unrelated incident.

Check the Online Filing Requirements

To use the online reporting system, the person filing must be at least 18 years old, have a valid email address, and confirm that the incident occurred within an area patrolled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Online reporting is not anonymous, and a deputy may contact the reporting person for additional details.

An incident generally does not qualify for online submission when:

Someone was injured
Weapons or violence were involved
The responsible person is known or identifiable
Photos or videos show the incident occurring
The incident may have been motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability
The location is outside the Sheriff’s Department patrol area

Every online submission is reviewed. The department may approve the report, request more information, or determine that a deputy must follow up by telephone, email, or in person. Providing false information in a police report may result in criminal consequences.

Navigate Los Angeles County Jail and Inmate Services

The Sheriff’s Department operates the county jail system and is responsible for the care, custody, security, and rehabilitation of sentenced and pretrial inmates housed in department facilities. The department’s custody services section organizes inmate location tools, jail facility information, visitation scheduling, inmate mail rules, deposit regulations, medical information, and services for people with special needs.

Search for an Inmate With Accurate Identifying Details

The inmate search process generally requires the person’s name and date of birth. Searchers should enter information carefully because common names, spelling differences, and incomplete birth information can affect results. The system uses reCAPTCHA to prevent automated access and commercial exploitation of custody data.

New booking information may not appear immediately. Records for bookings completed within the previous two hours may be unavailable, so a search performed shortly after an arrest may not return a result even when the person is in custody.

Review Facility Rules Before Scheduling a Visit

Visitation requirements can vary by facility, inmate classification, housing location, security conditions, and operational restrictions. Visitors should verify eligibility, scheduling procedures, identification requirements, permitted items, dress rules, arrival times, and health or security instructions before traveling to a jail.

A scheduled visit does not guarantee immediate entry. Delays or cancellations may occur because of facility lockdowns, inmate movement, medical needs, investigations, emergencies, or other security conditions. Visitors must follow staff instructions and all facility rules while on the premises.

Direct Medical Concerns to Custody Health Channels

Urgent healthcare concerns involving an incarcerated person should be directed to the custody medical command service rather than a general patrol station. When raising a concern, provide the inmate’s full name, booking number when available, facility location, and a concise description of the medical or mental health issue.

Family members should avoid sending medication directly to an inmate unless specifically instructed through an approved process. Jail medical personnel determine treatment, medication administration, and necessary accommodations within the custody system.

Understand Court Services and Civil Process Duties

The Sheriff’s Department provides security and support services to Los Angeles County trial courts. Its Court Services Division resources cover courthouse locations, civil process service, inmate release information, vehicle inspection locations, courthouse security, and related public services.

Prepare for Security Screening at County Courthouses

People entering or re-entering a courthouse and their property are subject to search. Security personnel operate screening checkpoints, and items that may be used as weapons can be restricted. Weapons are prohibited, and possession of a weapon in a courthouse may result in confiscation and arrest.

Items such as scissors, files, and similar objects may be held for safekeeping and returned when the person leaves. Visitors should reduce delays by bringing only necessary documents and leaving restricted items at home.

Follow Courtroom Conduct Rules

Deputy sheriffs serving as bailiffs maintain order inside courtrooms. Disruptive conduct may lead to removal or arrest. Court visitors may also be excluded for inappropriate attire or failure to follow courtroom instructions.

Photography, recording, or broadcasting court proceedings requires proper court authorization. Cellphones and other electronic devices may be prohibited in the courtroom even when they are permitted elsewhere in the courthouse.

Use the Correct Office for Civil Process

The Sheriff is responsible for serving judicial process in the manner required by law. Civil documents can involve evictions, levies, restraining orders, summonses, subpoenas, and other court-issued papers. Requirements, fees, instructions, and service locations depend on the type of process and the court involved.

People requesting service should review their documents for filing deadlines, provide complete service information, and use the correct Civil Management Bureau or civil process office. The Sheriff’s Department cannot provide private legal advice or determine which documents a person should file.

Request Sheriff’s Department Records Without Avoidable Delays

The department maintains crime reports, booking records, incarceration information, photographs, personnel-related disclosures, videos, and other records. Different categories are processed by different units, and sending a request to the wrong office can delay or prevent processing.

The official record request instructions separate law enforcement records, interagency requests, non-custody public records, custody-related public records, traffic collision records, subpoena service, facility video requests, and personnel record disclosures.

Identify the Record Category Before Submitting

Records and Identification Bureau services include certain booking and arrest information, crime report release to victims, incarceration or clearance letters, adoption letters, Live Scan fingerprint services, offender registration, criminal history requests, and record sealing matters.

California Public Records Act requests involving non-custody subjects may include calls for service, contracts, fiscal records, personnel disclosures, and qualifying recordings. Custody-related public records may include jail contracts, custody incidents, statistical data, in-custody death records, and incarceration information.

Provide Details That Help Staff Locate the Record

A useful request should identify the record as precisely as possible. Include the incident date, location, report number, names of involved parties, booking number, facility, and the specific document or time period requested. Broad requests can require clarification and may take longer to process.

Some records are confidential, exempt from disclosure, restricted to authorized requesters, or subject to redaction. For example, certain law enforcement records may be available to victims or involved parties but not to the general public. Video from inside custody facilities may also be exempt from public disclosure under applicable law.

File a Complaint or Commendation Through Official Channels

A complaint may address dissatisfaction or concern regarding an employee’s conduct, behavior, actions, or the service provided by the department. Anyone may submit a complaint, including members of the public and department employees.

The department’s complaint and commendation process provides options for online, written, telephone, in-person, and virtual submissions. Complaints may address alleged misconduct, unprofessional behavior, improper service, or another matter affecting public confidence.

Include Specific Facts Rather Than General Accusations

A complaint is easier to review when it includes the date, time, location, employee name or identifying information, patrol vehicle number, report number, witness details, and a chronological explanation of what occurred. Relevant documents, photographs, recordings, or messages should be preserved.

People may submit complaints anonymously. However, providing a reliable method of contact can help investigators request clarification or additional evidence. A complaint should distinguish firsthand observations from information learned from another person.

The same process can be used to commend an employee who provided professional, helpful, or exceptional service. Describe the employee, location, date, and actions that support the commendation.

Use Victim Services and Crime Prevention Information

Crime victims and their families may need help understanding custody notifications, reporting options, fraud prevention, safety planning, and available government services. The department’s victim resources and crime prevention information covers inmate status notifications, domestic violence, human trafficking, cybercrime, identity theft, elder financial abuse, real estate fraud, package theft, and common scams.

Register for Inmate Status Notifications

Victim Information and Notification Everyday, commonly known as VINE, allows registered users to receive information about an inmate’s custody status, transfer, or release. Registration may be completed by telephone or online.

If an inmate is transferred from a Los Angeles County jail to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the victim may receive a transfer notification. The victim must then register again under the state prison system to continue receiving updates about that inmate.

Protect Personal and Financial Information

The Sheriff’s Department warns residents about online romance scams, identity theft, advance-fee schemes, pyramid scams, package theft, elder financial exploitation, and cybercrime. Residents should be cautious when someone demands urgent payment, asks for gift cards or wire transfers, requests banking credentials, or claims that money must be paid before a prize or inheritance can be released.

People using dating websites or social platforms should avoid sending money to someone they have not met and independently verified. First meetings should occur in public places, and personal financial information should remain private. Suspected crimes should be documented with messages, account information, transaction records, usernames, and screenshots before evidence disappears.

Explore Sheriff’s Department Careers and Hiring Paths

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department hires deputy sheriffs, reserve deputies, and civilian professional staff. The LASD careers portal provides information about openings, qualifications, benefits, application steps, physical preparation, background investigations, academy training, and recruiter support.

Review Requirements Before Starting an Application

Applicants should examine the requirements for the specific position rather than assuming every job follows the deputy sheriff process. Sworn positions may involve written testing, physical assessments, background investigation, medical and psychological evaluations, interviews, and academy training. Civilian jobs may follow different education, experience, and examination standards.

Background investigations can include employment history, financial responsibility, driving records, criminal history, references, prior drug use, and the accuracy of information provided during the hiring process. Applicants should answer questions completely and preserve documents that may be needed to verify education, employment, military service, or residency.

Understand the Range of Department Work

Career opportunities are not limited to patrol. The department operates custody facilities, court services, records units, communications functions, investigations, recruitment, personnel services, parking enforcement, specialized bureaus, and administrative operations. Civilian professional staff support many of these functions without serving as sworn peace officers.

Address Parking Enforcement Concerns in Unincorporated Communities

Sheriff’s Department parking enforcement focuses on vehicle movement, parking availability, congestion, and compliance with applicable vehicle and municipal codes in unincorporated Los Angeles County areas. Enforcement responsibility may differ inside incorporated cities, so residents should confirm jurisdiction before reporting a problem.

Parking concerns may involve abandoned vehicles, prohibited parking, oversized or nonconforming vehicles, blocked areas, citation questions, or recurring neighborhood issues. Reports should include the precise location, vehicle description, license plate when safely observable, and the nature of the violation.

Parking Enforcement Detail does not have authority to remove unhoused individuals or resolve every issue involving recreational vehicle encampments. It may issue warnings or citations when a parking violation exists, while other county agencies may be responsible for housing, sanitation, outreach, or public health concerns.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Offices and Phone Numbers

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Headquarters
211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 229-1700

Records and Identification Bureau Public Services Section
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 120 West, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 345-4441

Records and Identification Bureau Subpoena Control
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 345-4437

Risk Management Bureau Public Records Act Unit
4900 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 102, Commerce, CA 90040

Inmate Information
(213) 473-6100

Medical Command Center
(213) 893-5544

Internal Affairs Bureau
(800) 698-8255

Civil Processing and Evictions
(213) 972-3930

Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5500

Human Trafficking Bureau
(323) 526-5159

Records Bureau
(562) 345-4426

Recruitment Unit
(800) 233-7889

Special Victims Bureau
(562) 946-7960

Transit Services Bureau
2000 East Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 563-5000

Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau
(562) 374-2601

Carry a Concealed Weapon Unit
4700 West Ramona Boulevard, Monterey Park, CA 91754
(323) 981-6077

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department FAQs

Who should submit a concealed carry application through the Sheriff’s Department?

First-time California applicants generally must live in an unincorporated Los Angeles County community or a contract city served by the Sheriff’s Department. Residents of cities with their own municipal police departments should apply through the law enforcement agency responsible for their home address. The department also accepts qualifying nonresident applications when Los Angeles County is the applicant’s primary California destination. Review the current concealed carry licensing requirements before submitting an application.

Which documents are required for a concealed carry application?

Applicants must provide a valid California driver’s license or identification card, proof of lawful status when applicable, and a current utility bill showing the same service address listed with the Department of Motor Vehicles. A utility bill in a spouse’s or domestic partner’s name must be supported by a marriage certificate or declaration of legal domestic partnership. Military applicants may also need discharge papers or current orders. Additional documents may be requested during processing.

Should firearms training be completed before the application is approved?

No. Applicants should wait until the Sheriff’s Department authorizes them to begin training. Once authorized, training must generally be completed within 60 days. New applicants must complete at least 16 hours, while renewal applicants must complete at least eight hours. Each firearm listed on the license requires a successful live-fire qualification, and the department permits up to three qualifying firearms on one license.

Can an existing concealed carry license be changed?

A license holder may request a modification for a legal name change, address change, or the addition or removal of a firearm. Updating employment information alone does not require an immediate modification and may be handled during renewal. Firearm details must be complete and consistent across registration, training, and licensing documents to prevent processing delays.

Can someone request video from a Sheriff’s patrol car dash camera?

As of April 2026, the department states that its patrol vehicles do not have dash cameras installed. Other recordings, including qualifying facility video or personnel-related disclosures, follow separate procedures. The Sheriff’s Department record request instructions explain which unit handles each type of recording or document.