1. How do I obtain a copy of a criminal/traffic collision report and how much does it cost?Answer:
You may come in person or request a copy through the mail.The following are two main categories of reports with corresponding legal authority information:
- The release of accident reports is governed under the California Vehicle Code Section 20012. If you meet the criteria set in this Vehicle Code the report will be available to you for a fee (click here for fee information).
- The release of incident reports is governed under the California Public Records Act- Section 6254(f) of the California Government-Code when the suspect(s) listed on the report(s) is an adult. (Click here for information about juvenile records). Please note that copies of the incident reports are released only to victims named in these reports or those specifically authorized to receive these reports A fee may be charged (click here for fee information).
Please note that there are some crimes which are handled by specialized units within our Department. Depending upon the crime category of the report you are seeking, you may be re-directed to these units.
Requesting In Person:
You will be asked to submit valid identification (click here for acceptable forms of identification) and we will review your legal authority to obtain a copy of this record.
Address: 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 120.
Norwalk, California 90650
Note: The main entrance is located outside of the building near the visitor parking lot.
Phone: (562) 345-4441
Hours: Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for arson and narcotic registrants. All other services . by appointment only, please call (562) 345-4441.
We observe all Federal holidays.
Requesting Through The Mail:
You may submit your written request, including required documents and fees, to:Records and Identification Bureau
Attention: Correspondence Unit
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West
Norwalk, California 90650Please include the following in your correspondence:
- Your full name (including any alias you want searched)
- Your date of birth
- The address where the report should be mailed
- Your signature
- Your valid notarized identification (click here for acceptable forms of identification)
2. Can I have a representative (i.e. family member, friend, or attorney) come in to request my criminal history record or report?
Answer:
Yes, once validation has been made that you are eligible to receive these records under the law.Your representative must present the following:
- An original, notarized letter from you giving authorization to receive the information on your behalf.
- A notarized copy of your valid state-issued identification;
- The representative's valid state-issued identification (must be notarized if submitting the request through the mail).
- An original letter stating what is being requested and the purpose of the request with your signature included.
If you are an attorney requesting records on behalf of a client through the mail-in process, you must submit the following declaration where your signature is included under this declaration in place of the requirements above or sign this declaration if you request this information in person:
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America and the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct, and that I am the person named above, and I understand that any falsification of this statement is punishable under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Section 1001 by a fine of no more than $10,000.00 or by imprisonment of no more than five years or both, and that requesting or obtaining any record(s) under false pretenses is punishable under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. Section 522a(i)(3) by a fine of no more than $5,000.00.Print your name, Sign your name, and date it
3. What types of identification do you require?
Answer:
We accept any one of the following:
- A valid state issued identification with your picture on it such as a Driver’s License or Identification Card.
- A valid government issued passport which has your picture on it. Please note that a verification of the validity of the identification with the issuing agency will be made.
Note: If you do not have any identification, the identification is expired, or you never had any identification, you will be asked to go to the nearest California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a temporary printout from the DMV indicating your name and address. The Public Services Unit (PSU) will also ask for some type of picture and name identification.
4. How long will it take to obtain a copy of a report?
Answer:
Depends upon if you requested the information in person or through the mail (see question #1 above):Requesting In Person :
Our Public Services Unit processes requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. The length of time varies based on the type of request and the number of clients being served.
Public Services Unit peak times are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (click here for location and business hours)
If you choose not to wait, you can take advantage of our text messaging service that will notify you when your request is ready for pick up.
Requesting Through the Mail:
Our Correspondence Unit processes requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your request may take, on average, a minimum of 10 to 15 business days from the time we receive your request. If you submit your request using any express mail service, your request will still be processed in the same time period from the date of receipt. If you request that the response be sent back to you using any express mail service; you must include a pre-paid express mail return envelope.
5. What if I drop off my request and have you mail it to me?
Answer:
If you utilize the ‘in person’ option we will not mail your response. You have to pick it up in person.
6. How long do you keep records?
Answer:
We maintain records in accordance with our retention schedule. In general, our records are kept for a period of 10 years. There are some types of records which are kept for longer periods, however, in order to verify whether the specific record you want exists, we will need a specific file number (note: Sheriff's Department older agency file numbers were 15 digits in length).
7. Can I get juvenile arrest reports?
Answer:
Yes, after we have validated you are entitled to receive this record under California Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 827-828.3 and upon submission of appropriate supporting documentation such as valid identification (click here for information about acceptable forms of identification), etcetera.If we determined that you are not authorized to receive these records, you will be required to file a petition with the Juvenile Court to obtain a copy of these records. You may obtain additional information by clicking here.
8. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is requesting that I get my arrest report and disposition of arrest as well as any court disposition information. Can I get this information from your agency?Answer:
Yes, however, we only provide information about the arrest disposition on the initial events from your arrest. For example, if you were booked and released by our agency, we can provide you with release information which is the same as the disposition of the arrest.A copy of your arrest report is not available to you. Pursuant to the California Government Code Section 6254(f) local police agency records of investigation are exempt from release; therefore, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not release crime reports. However, the ICE representative can request a report directly from our agency by sending their request to:
Records and Identification Bureau
Attention: Information Retrieval Unit
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West
Norwalk, California 90650If you went to court and you received a sentence, probation, etc., this is considered the court disposition information and you will need to get this information from the court of record as we cannot release another agency’s records.
9. I was asked to get a Police Clearance (for ICE, Adoptions, Travel, etc.)? Do you do these?
Answer:
Yes, for our jurisdiction only and for a fee (click here for fee information).Additional Information about Police Clearances:
- Our search is based upon the name you provide through the valid identification you present, along with any alias names you indicate.
- Our search is limited to a maximum period of 10 years.
- We require valid identification (click here for acceptable forms of identification).
- Bring any paperwork from any agency or individual requesting this police clearance from you so that we can accurately respond to the requirements stipulated and avoid unnecessary delays or additional costs.
- Bring your own notary if any of the information you requested requires notarization.
10. I am a victim of Domestic Violence, how do I get a copy of my report? Do I have to pay?
Answer:
You may request your report in person or through the mail (click here for location information).
Once you have presented valid identification (click here for information about acceptable forms of identification) and we have determined you are authorized to receive this report under Section 6228 of the California Family Code, you will be allowed to obtain one free copy within 5 years of the completion of the report. If additional copies are requested, even at a later date, you will be asked to pay a fee (click here for fee information). Domestic Violence Reports are maintained in accordance with our retention schedule and reports older than 10 years may not be available if they have been purged according to this schedule.
11. I need proof that I was released from jail, how do I get this?
Answer:
You may obtain proof of your incarceration either in person or through the mail (click here for location information). Once you have presented valid identification (click here for acceptable forms of identification), you will be provided with a letter stipulating your name at the time of the arrest, booking number, charge(s), date of arrest, and release information. You will be required to pay a fee (click here for fee information).Requesting In Person :
Public Services Unit processes requests on a first come first-come, first- serve basis. The length of time varies based on the type of request and the number of clients being served. Public Services Unit peak times are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (click here for location and business hours)Requesting Through The Mail:
You may submit your written request, including required documents (click here for information about acceptable forms of identification) and fees (click here for fee information), to:
Records and Identification Bureau
Attention: Correspondence Unit
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West
Norwalk, California 90650
12. I am a bail bonds person and I need access to records, what do I need to do? What can I receive?
Answer:
In accordance with Section 11105.6 of the California Penal Code (CPC), we may furnish the following information:
- Individual’s known aliases
- Booking photograph
- Information identifying whether the individual has been convicted of any violent felony (as defined in Section 667.6 9 (c) of the CPC)
- Unaltered copy of the booking and property record (excluding medical information)
In order to receive the information above, ALL of the following circumstances must exist:
- The information is from the record of a person for whom a bench warrant has been issued, or from whom a bail forfeiture has been ordered (we request proof).
- The person described above is a client of the agent or licensee (we request proof).
- The agent or licensee pays a fee equal to the cost of providing the information. (Click here for fee information)
- Present required valid picture identification and proof of status as a Bail Bonds agent.
Note: Please do not bring your firearm into the Public Services Unit facility. You will be asked to remove it from the facility.
13. I am a Process Server and I need to serve a subpoena, do you accept them here? Are there any fees?
Answer:
The Public Services Unit only accepts Criminal Subpoenas (click here for location and business hours).There is no fee charged when serving a criminal subpoena.All Civil Subpoenas must be served at the following location:
County of Los Angeles
Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Civil Process Branch
110 N. Grand Ave., Room 525
Los Angeles, California 90012A fee is required and you may obtain more information by clicking here.
14. I want to submit a Public Records Act Request (PRA) request, do you accept them here?
Answer:
All Public Records Act requests can be submitted by mail or via email.Alex Villanueva, SheriffFor information on Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor’s policy about Public Records access, please click here.
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
Attention: Public Records Act Request
E-mail to: PRARequests@lasd.org
15. Where do I get a copy of my court records?
Answer:
Court information is not provided. You will need to contact the court that handled your case for all court information. If you are requesting final disposition of your case, that information is also provided by the court.
16. Can I get a copy of a report from the station close to my house?
Answer:
Provided the station resides within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, typically, incidents which occurred within six months may be obtained from the Station personnel. It is best to call the station directly to confirm they have the record and whether it will be made available to you under the law.
17. Can I get my records on-line?
Answer:
Reports or other records are not available on-line except for basic arrest information such as the arrestee’s name, date of birth, booking number, charge(s), and release date. You may access this information through the Inmate Information Center of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website. This information is available up until 3 months after a person is released from custody.
18. How do I expunge/seal my record?
Answer:
Expunging an arrest record does not hold the same meaning and results as sealing an arrest record.Expunging a record requires a form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal). Please click here for a copy.
The form CR-180 is to be completed and filed with the Court requesting the previous case where there was a conviction (only misdemeanor or certain felonies apply) to be re-opened to set aside that conviction, withdraw their “guilty” plea, enter a plea of “not guilty”, and close the case without a conviction. Only the courts can grant the record to be expunged but keep in mind that the arrest and charges will still exist. Please refer to California Penal Code Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a for further information.Sealing a Record under California Penal Code Section 851.8 refers to a person who has been arrested or detained and is determined to be factually innocent. The person may petition the law enforcement agency or court having jurisdiction over the matter. Petitions can be filed for up to two years following the arrest filing date. Please refer to form BCII 8270 (Petition to Seal and Destroy Adult Arrest Records) for further information and direction. A copy of this form can be obtained through this link.
You may also contact the Sealing Unit at (562) 345-4439.
19. How can I tell if I have a warrant?
Answer:
Go to your local police department or sheriff’s station. They can conduct a search to see if you have a warrant.
20. My application for firearms was rejected because you reported that I had a record. How can I verify this?
Answer:
An arrest can also be verified by fingerprint submission through a request for “Record Review. The results of this review will be sent to you directly from the California Department of Justice in 2 to 3 business days. You will be required to pay a service rolling fee and the California Department of Justice fee (click here for fee information).
21. What are your hours of service for the Public Services Unit and what are your fees?
Answer:
Business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We observe holidays which fall within these days. Our peak times are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fees vary depending upon the type of service you are requesting. (click here for fee information).
22. What form of payment do you accept?
Answer:
We accept:
- Cash
- Personal Checks made payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department or LASD
- Money Orders made payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department or LASD
- Cashier’s Checks made payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department or LASD
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express)
At this time, we do not accept debit cards.
23. I am applying for a job and was told to get fingerprinted? Do you perform this service?
Answer:
Yes, we only perform electronic fingerprinting submission to the California Department of Justice, using Live Scan. We do not provide FBI fingerprint card services. Our agency charges a rolling fee which is in addition to any fees charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fees are collected at the time of service (click here for fee information).The applicant agency that referred you must provide you with a Live Scan form. This form contains information that is unique to each agency and this information must be provided before arriving to have your prints taken.
24. What if I don’t have this Live Scan form?
Answer:
You must contact the requesting agency so they can provide the specific information that they need for the position. You can download a "Request for Live Scan Service" form (BCIA 8016) from this California Department of Justice website link.If you choose to download the form, please be sure to complete the form with information required by the hiring agency. We do not assist with completing this form for you and will not refund the money if any information you entered on the form is inaccurate.
25. How long does it take for the results of my Live Scan submission to come back?
Answer:
In most cases, the results from DOJ come back within 48 hours. The results are sent directly to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan Service form that you provided. We do not receive the results at our location.
26. What if I just want to look at my own record? Do you do this?
Answer:
Yes. A Live Scan form is required and provided.You will be required to pay our rolling fee and the California Department of Justice fee (click here for fee information). The results of this review will be sent to you directly from the California Department of Justice and it may take from 2 to 3 business days. However, some requests may take up to 2 weeks to process depending on the information contained within the record.
27. Can my Live Scan request be expedited?
Answer:
The record review is conducted by the California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General. You will need to contact them about any expediting services they offer. You can also refer to their website.
28. How can I dispute an arrest showing up on my record submission from California Department of Justice?
Answer:
Once you have received your Record Review response, if you want to challenge the contents of your criminal record, you must complete the "Claim of Alleged inaccuracy or incompleteness" (form BCIA 8706), which will be included with your Record Review response if there is criminal information on your record. Mail the completed form, along with a copy of your criminal history record, to the address indicated on the form. Your challenge must specifically state the basis for the claim of inaccuracy or incompleteness and include any available proof or corroboration to substantiate your claim.The process for disputing any arrest record showing up as a result of your fingerprint submission to the California Department of Justice can also be reviewed by clicking this link.
29. Can I make an appointment?
Answer:
Yes. Appointments can be made for Fridays only.
(click here for location information and business hours).
30. Do you fingerprint for Immigration and Naturalization Services (ICE)?
Answer:
No. You will need to go to an ICE designated location.
31. I am a Nacotics or Arson Offender and I need to register. How do I do this?
Answer:
Please bring your registration requirements document and valid identification (click here for information about acceptable forms of identification). We can also accept an original Superior Court case minute order, which must clearly indicate the order for registration. The Public Services Unit only registers Arson and Narcotics Offenders (click here for location information and business hours). Please confirm that your residence address falls within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, before you come to our facility. Your Probation or Parole Officer can assist you further.For Sex Offenses, you will need to go to the local police agency or Sheriff’s Station where you reside.
32. What if I am only changing my address as part of my registration requirements? Can I do this through the mail?
Answer:
You cannot change your address through the mail as satisfying your registration requirements. If your new address does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department you will need to go to the local police agency having jurisdiction and register with them. You may contact your Probation or Parole Officer for further guidance. You may also contact the Public Services Unit at (562) 345-4441 for verification of your address within our agency’s jurisdiction.
33. What if I changed my mind and do not want the service anymore? Do I get a refund?
Answer:
If you requested the service at the Public Services Unit and they have executed your request, you will be required to pay for the fees for services that were rendered.If you submitted your request through the mail, you may contact Records and Identification Bureau, Correspondence Unit at 562-345-4448 advising that you no longer require our services. Depending upon where your request is in the process, your fees may not be refunded.
34. Can you give me my information over the telephone?
Answer:
Criminal history information or information about any criminal record is not provided over the telephone as we are unable to validate your identity and confirm that you are eligible to receive this information under the law.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us.
6/20/2016, Revision 2