How can I get a copy of a police report?
If you want to request a copy of a crime report, you must mail your written request to Records & Identification (R&I) Division. You can only receive a crime report if you are an authorized person such as the victim, the victim’s representative, or as provided in Section 6254 of the Government Code.

To obtain a copy of a crime report, you must provide:

• A check or money order payable to the LAPD in the amount of $23.00. This is a non-refundable administrative fee charged to cover the cost of the records search, and will not be refunded even if it is determined that no report exists.
• The name(s) and address(es) of the victim(s).
• The insurance policy number if the requestor is an insurance company.
• A release from the victim if the request is from an attorney.
• The type of report - robbery, assault, etc.
• The date and location of occurrence.
• A report (DR) number, if known.

How can I get a copy of my criminal record?

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): If you have been arrested by the LAPD, you may obtain a summary of your LAPD arrests. The summary will list the dates, charges, and dispositions (if they are on file) for LAPD arrests only. The summary will not include outside agency arrests. You may apply in person or by mail.

To apply in person, go to Police Administration Building, 100 West 1st Street, Room P1-137, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.

The charge is $16.00, payable by check, money order, or exact currency (no change is made). You may elect to pick up your arrest summary or have it mailed. Arrest summary processing time varies, as it depends on the number of requests received.

To request an arrest summary by mail, please provide:

1. A full set of fingerprints on a standard fingerprint card containing all personal data, including mailing address and zip code.
2. A letter requesting an arrest summary.
3. A check or money order made payable to LAPD in the amount of $16.00. Do not send cash.

If an express mail reply is desired, a PREPAID express mail envelope must be provided.

If you only have been arrested for a misdemeanor charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and want information regarding that arrest, you should visit the Traffic Court at 1945 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, or contact their DUI Disposition Section at 213-744-4022. Felony DUI records are retained at R&I Division.

State Department of Justice: If you have been arrested in multiple jurisdictions, it is recommended that you request your criminal history records from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) instead of requesting arrest summaries from multiple localities. For recorded DOJ arrest summary information, call 916-227-3822.

Federal Bureau of Investigation: You may also request a criminal history record for the purposes of immigration, emigration, and visas from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI furnishes national criminal history records directly to the embassy or consulate that is processing applicants. For further information regarding FBI’s criminal history records, call 304-625-2222.

How can I get a police clearance letter for immigration purposes?

Los Angeles Police Department: Records & Identification Division issues "letters of good conduct" to assist current residents of the City of Los Angeles with foreign travel requirements. These letters are acceptable only to foreign governments and only for travel purposes. The Los Angeles Police Department does not provide police clearance letters for the purposes of immigration to the United States or for employment background purposes (see California Department of Justice information below).

Requests for clearance letters may be made to the R&I Division Watch Commander at Police Administration Building, 100 West 1st Street, Room P1-137, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. To obtain a "letter of good conduct," you must appear in person at Police Administration Building, 100 West 1st Street, Room P1-137, with the following:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport or birth certificate if born in the United States) or U.S. Residency Card (green card);
2. Driver's License or California ID card indicating an address in the City of Los Angeles. (A recent utility bill with your name and current City of Los Angeles address may be used if the address on your driver's license is outside of the City); and
3. Check, money order or exact currency (no change is made) for $15.00.

Please contact R&I Division's Watch Commander at 213-486-8310 if you have any questions regarding these procedures.

California Department of Justice: The California Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide a statewide criminal clearance if you are an immigration applicant and you have been directed to obtain California or local clearances by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, by a United States consulate or embassy, or by a foreign government for emigration from the United States. Processing time is approximately three to four weeks. For recorded DOJ clearance letter information, call 916-227-3822.

Federal Bureau of Investigation: You may also request a clearance letter for the purposes of immigration, emigration and visas from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI furnishes national clearances directly to the embassy or consulate that is processing the applicant. For further information regarding an FBI clearance letter, please call the FBI at 304-625-3878.

How do I find information for my academic research project?

The LAPD is unable to provide routine assistance with academic research matters due to the large number of requests the Department receives and the limited budget we have to process these requests.

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, the Department does occasionally participate in research projects which are of direct benefit to the City and the people of Los Angeles. If you believe that your request falls under this category, we encourage you to forward your inquiry in writing for further evaluation and review.

You may send your written request to:

Los Angeles Police Department
Office of the Chief of Police
100 West First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

How do I contact an LAPD employee or retiree?

Limited personnel information may be obtained, with cause, by contacting the Department’s Personnel Records Section at:

Los Angeles Police Department
Personnel Division
100 West First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 486-4659