When you need to find information regarding the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), it is essential to access the correct official resources. Whether you are looking to file a police report, find information about a recent arrest, or obtain a copy of a traffic accident record, the official LAPD online portal serves as a comprehensive hub for public safety services. Navigating these digital tools correctly ensures that your requests are processed efficiently and that you are receiving accurate, up-to-date information directly from the source.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the various services available through the LAPD’s official online presence. By understanding how to use these tools, you can save time and avoid unnecessary trips to a physical police station. From community alerts to records requests, here is everything you need to know about accessing LAPD services from your computer or mobile device.
How to Find the Official LAPD Website
The official website for the Los Angeles Police Department is the primary gateway for all non-emergency police business in the city. It is important to ensure you are on the legitimate “.org” domain to protect your personal information and ensure you are viewing official data. The site is designed to be a user-friendly resource for residents, business owners, and visitors alike.
Once on the official homepage, you will find a navigation menu that categorizes services into sections such as “Online Services,” “Crime Info,” “Get Involved,” and “Contact Us.” This structure allows you to quickly locate the specific department or form you need without having to search through hundreds of pages of information.
Using the Community Online Reporting System (CORS)
One of the most frequently used features of the LAPD online portal is the Community Online Reporting System. This system allows you to file an official police report for specific types of crimes without waiting for an officer to arrive at your location. This is often the fastest way to document an incident for insurance purposes or official records.
Crimes You Can Report Online
Not every incident is eligible for online reporting. To use the CORS system, the incident must have occurred within the city limits of Los Angeles and there must be no known suspects. You can typically report the following online:
- Harassing Phone Calls: Unwanted calls that are annoying, threatening, or obscene in nature.
- Lost Property: Items that were lost or misplaced in a public area.
- Vandalism: Damage to your property, such as graffiti or broken windows, where the repair cost is under a certain threshold.
- Theft: Situations where property was taken without your permission, provided there was no physical confrontation or break-in to a home or business.
- Hit and Run: Damage to your parked vehicle where the other driver did not leave information.
When Not to Use Online Reporting
If a crime is currently in progress, or if there are injuries involved, you should always call 911 immediately. Additionally, if the crime involved a firearm, a break-in to your home (burglary), or if you have information about a specific suspect, you must call the non-emergency line or visit a local station to file a report in person.
Requesting Police Records and Traffic Reports
Obtaining official documentation is a common need for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or personal record-keeping. The LAPD provides several ways to request these documents online or via mail. It is important to note that most record requests require a processing fee and specific identification to ensure privacy and security.
Traffic Accident Reports
If you were involved in a traffic collision within the City of Los Angeles, you can often request the report through an automated online portal. You will typically need the DR (Division of Records) number provided by the officer at the scene, the date of the accident, and the names of the parties involved. These reports are usually available for a small fee and can be downloaded as a PDF once the request is processed.
Crime Reports and Public Records
For reports involving crimes other than traffic accidents, you may need to submit a written request to the LAPD Records and Identification Division. While some basic information is available to the public, detailed reports are generally only released to victims, their authorized representatives, or insurance companies. You can also file a California Public Records Act (CPRA) request through the city’s centralized portal if you are seeking general department data or statistics.
Finding Inmate and Arrest Information
If you are trying to locate someone who has been arrested by the LAPD, the process involves checking both city and county databases. While the LAPD makes the initial arrest, individuals are often transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) for housing.
The Inmate Locator Tool
To find an individual currently in custody, you can use the online Inmate Information Center. This tool requires the individual’s full legal name and, ideally, their date of birth. The system will provide information on the facility where they are being held, their booking number, and any scheduled court dates. If the person was recently arrested, it may take several hours for their information to appear in the digital system.
Bail and Release Information
The online portal also provides guidance on how to post bail or contact a specific jail facility. Each facility has different rules regarding visitation and phone calls, so it is helpful to check the specific station’s page on the official website before attempting to visit in person.
Staying Safe with Community Resources
The LAPD offers numerous resources aimed at crime prevention and community engagement. Staying informed about what is happening in your neighborhood is one of the best ways to stay safe. The official website provides access to several tools designed for this purpose.
Crime Mapping and Alerts
Residents can view interactive crime maps that show recent activity in their specific neighborhood. You can filter these maps by date and type of crime. Additionally, you can sign up for E-Police Comms, which are email alerts sent directly from your local area station regarding safety tips and significant incidents in your community.
Contacting Your Senior Lead Officer
Every neighborhood in Los Angeles is assigned a Senior Lead Officer (SLO). These officers serve as the primary link between the police department and the community. You can find your specific SLO by entering your address into the “Find Your Station” tool on the website. SLOs are excellent resources for addressing recurring neighborhood issues like noise complaints, traffic concerns, or suspicious activity that does not require an emergency response.
Important Contact Information
Knowing who to call can make a significant difference in how quickly you receive help. The LAPD emphasizes the correct use of emergency and non-emergency lines to ensure that resources are available for those in immediate danger.
- Emergency (911): Use this only for life-threatening emergencies or crimes currently in progress.
- Non-Emergency (1-877-ASK-LAPD): Use this number for reporting incidents that are not emergencies, such as a theft that happened overnight or to ask general questions.
- TDD/TTY: Specialized lines are available for the hearing impaired to ensure everyone has access to police services.
Conclusion
Accessing the official LAPD online resources is the most efficient way to handle police-related business in Los Angeles. Whether you are filing a report through the CORS system, searching for an inmate, or looking up crime statistics in your neighborhood, the digital portal provides a wealth of information at your fingertips. By using these official tools, you contribute to a more efficient public safety system and ensure that you have the most accurate information available. To stay informed and prepared, consider exploring the safety tips and community programs offered on the site to help keep your neighborhood safe.