Los Angeles Public Records
Understanding Los Angeles County Public Records
Public Records in Los Angeles County, as in every county in California, are accessible to everyone via the CA Public Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act. These are records collected and shred by various government agencies and the state's judicial system. These records allow people to access a multitude of information, also while shedding light and transparency into what information the government collects.
We'll discuss the different types of public records available. These range from court records to property deeds, and vital records like marriage, birth and death certificates. We'll also identify the agencies responsible for maintaining these records. This includes the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, the Assessor's Office, and other various county and state agencies.
What Are LA Public Records?
LA public records are government collected information, on it's citizens, that are not considered confidential. They are created or received by various federal, state and local public agencies. In Los Angeles County, these records can be accessed by the public upon request, you do not need special permission to access these records. This is in line with the principle of government transparency.
These records can include a wide range of documents that can be resourced directly from the respective government agency, or through various third party resources online. However, not all records are public. Some are deemed confidential for various reasons, such as privacy concerns, active military records, and juvenile records.
The California Public Records Act and Los Angeles County
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is a key law that grants public permission to access to information in the state, including all counties and cities. The CPRA states that all public records be open to inspection during office hours, which applies to state and local government agencies. However, the CPRA has certain exceptions as not all records are accessible under this law. Some records are not publicly available, such as those that contain sensitive personal information or those that concern national security.
Los Angeles County Public Records Search
Conducting a Los Angeles County public records search starts with knowing what type of record you need. Then you typically have a few different options on how to access those records depending on if you want official copies of those records, or you just need to verify information online.
The second step is to identify the agency responsible for maintaining that record and making your request directly through them. This could be the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, the Assessor's Office, or the Sheriff's Department, for example. You also have the option to use a third party public records website to view and reference the respective information online. However, these third party resources do not typically offer official copies of documents, they are geared for online research and reference only. If you need official documentation then you should go straight to the source.
Once you know the agency, visit their website or office. Look for their public records access instructions. Some agencies have online databases for easy searching. Others may require an in-person visit or a formal request.
Types of Public Records Available in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County maintains a wide range of public records. These records span various aspects of life and government. Court records, property records, and vital records are among the most commonly sought. Each type of record can provide valuable information. However, access may vary depending on the record and the agency. Each type of record is maintained by a specific agency.
Here are some of the main types of public records available:
1). Court Records: Criminal Cases and Civil Cases
2). Property Records: Liens, Ownership Records, Assessments, Taxes, Deeds, Zoning Info.
3). Vital Records: Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records
4). Criminal Records: Convictions, Arrest Reports, DUIs, Traffic Citations, Incarcerations, Arrest Warrants, Probation and Parole Orders
5). Business Records: DBAs, Corporate Filings, Partnerships, Financial Statements, Judgments and Liens
6). Government Contracts and Bids: Construction Contracts, Grands and Funding Agreements, Franchise Agreements, Private Partnerships
7). Environmental Health Records: Hazardous Waste Records, Inspections, Public Health Orders, Soil and Water Testing Results, Air Quality Monitoring
8). Public Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Government Meeting Minutes, Public Transportation Planning, Public Hearings, Environmental Impact Reports
Key LA Government Agencies and Their Roles
Most LA government agencies in Los Angeles County are responsible for maintaining public records. Each agency has a specific role and set of records the collect and manage. Knowing what agency is in charge of each type of public record can help streamline your search. It will also make certain that you're contacting the right agency for what you are looking for. Here are some of the common places to access records in LA County:
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk handles a variety of records such as records like birth, death, and marriage certificates. This office also manages business filings and real estate records.
County Assessor's Office: The County Assessor's Office is responsible for all things related to property records. This includes information about property ownership, assessments, zoning, and taxes. If you're looking for details about a specific property, this is the agency you want to contact.
Sheriff's Department: The LA Sheriff's Department maintains certain criminal records such as arrest records, incident reports, jail inmate records, and active arrest warrants.
Superior Court: The LA Superior Court manages a multitude of different court records. These records cover civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. If you're looking for legal documents or case details, the Superior Court offers online access to records.
Are Los Angeles Police Records Public?
Yes, these records are publicly accessible. You can access LA police records by contacting the respective police department. You can also access some police records, such as arrest records and jail records, by using public record websites.
How Do I Lookup Los Angeles Public Records?
The easiest way to access all the public records available in Los Angeles is to use a public records website. These resources allow you to lookup anyone's records with a simple name search.