FAQ FOR FILING A COMPLAINT OR SUBMITTING A COMMENDATION WITH LASD
How do I file a complaint or submit a commendation with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department?
You can file a complaint or commendation in person, by phone to a specific station/unit, via the 1- 800-698-TALK [8255], by email, by mail-in form, or online through our website. You may submit the comment in your native language. LASD accepts all varieties of complaints, including anonymous and third-party complaints.
3-04/010.05 – Procedures for Department Service Reviews – LASD Policy
You should provide details about the incident, including the date, time, location, and names of individuals involved.
No, you do not need to fill out a specific form. However, mail-in forms are available at all Sheriff’s stations and units and may be completed and submitted in your native language. You can submit your complaint or commendation by phone, online or email.
Yes, you can file a complaint or commendation in person at any Sheriff’s station/unit/bureau.
You can go to any Sheriff’s station/unit/facility and ask for the Watch Commander or their designee.
Yes, you can file a complaint or commendation by calling the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at 1-800-698-TALK (8255)
You can check the status of your complaint or commendation by contacting the specific Sheriff’s station/unit/bureau Watch Commander where the comment was submitted.
The Unit’s Operations staff will mail an acknowledgment letter and the green copy of the Watch Commander Service Comment Receipt (WCSCR) form (unless the green copy was already issued by the Watch Commander) to the reporting party, acknowledging that the Unit received the complaint/commendation.
- An investigator is assigned, and the investigation begins.
- The investigator collects statements, evidence, and other relevant information.
- The Unit Commander reviews the investigation findings and determines whether the complaint is substantiated.
- The complainant is notified of the outcome of the investigation by mail.
At the completion of the complaint review, the Unit’s Operations staff will mail a final outcome letter (via US mail) to the complainant/reporting party summarizing the results of the complaint review.
Yes, you may be contacted for additional information (if needed) during the investigation.
Yes, you can file a complaint or commendation anonymously.
You can check the status by contacting the specific station/unit/bureau handling the matter and providing your complaint or commendation reference number.
The Watch Commander or a designated investigator will handle your complaint or commendation.
Conflict Resolution between the person making the complaint and the involved Sheriff’s Department employee(s) may be an option for facilitating an objective discussion with the goal of resolving the issue. This option is voluntary and must be agreed to by both the person reporting the complaint and the Sheriff’s Department employee involved.
If you are unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Los Angeles County Ombudsman. This office can be contacted by mail or in person at:
510 South Vermont Avenue,
Suite 215, Los Angeles, California, 90020
Or by phone at (800) 801-0030 or (213) 738-2003.
You can provide additional information by contacting the handling Watch Commander and by providing the reference number for your complaint or commendation.
You can report employee misconduct by contacting the Sheriff’s Department, any Department Supervisor or Manager at a Sheriff Station, or by calling 1-800-698-TALK (8255).
Provide any relevant evidence, such as photos, videos, or witness statements, to support your complaint or commendation.
To file a third-party grievance on behalf of an inmate, contact the facility in person, by phone, or via correspondence – Custody Locations. The watch commander will complete a grievance form, assign a reference number, and ensure the grievance is processed and documented. You will receive an acknowledgment and the grievance’s reference number.
Include information about all deputies involved and provide any evidence or witness statements.
ADA and Nondiscrimination Policy
Provide details about the lack of ADA compliance and any evidence that supports your complaint.
Include information regarding whether the concern pertains to physical accessibility, communication barriers, discriminatory practices, or other ADA violations.
Are you filing on behalf of someone else? If so, please provide their name, contact information, and relationship to you.
Yes, you can file an additional complaint about delays in receiving information in person, by phone to a specific station/unit, via the 1-800-698-TALK (8255), by email, by mail-in form, or online through our website. You may submit the comment in your native language.