Los Angeles Use of Force Policies & Review Guide

Public Safety California 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of California

In Los Angeles, California, use-of-force policies govern when and how law enforcement may apply force and how incidents are reviewed. This guide explains the LAPD policy framework, civilian oversight, complaint and appeal pathways, and practical steps residents can take after an incident. It summarizes official sources, where to submit complaints, what sanctions or reviews may follow, and how to request records or administrative review. For exact statutory texts or forms, see the official LAPD and City oversight pages cited below.[1]

Policy framework and oversight

The Los Angeles Police Department publishes use-of-force policies and training standards; civilian oversight is provided by the City’s Office of the Inspector General and the Board of Police Commissioners. These bodies set policy, review incidents, and receive community complaints. For policy language and oversight descriptions see the official LAPD and OIG pages cited below.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for violations of use-of-force rules are implemented through administrative disciplinary processes, internal investigations, and where applicable, criminal prosecution. The specific monetary fines for officers are not specified on the cited pages; administrative actions and criminal referrals are described in oversight materials cited below.[1]

  • Enforcers: LAPD Internal Affairs, Board of Police Commissioners, and the City Office of the Inspector General oversee investigations and reviews.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are handled through progressive administrative discipline or criminal referral; specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: disciplinary orders, suspension, termination, retraining, and policy changes; criminal charges can be pursued by prosecutors when warranted.
  • Inspections and complaints: file complaints with LAPD Internal Affairs or the Board of Police Commissioners and notify the City OIG for oversight review.
  • Appeals/review: administrative appeal routes exist through department procedures and Commission hearings; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Administrative discipline can include non-monetary remedies such as suspension or termination.

Applications & Forms

The primary citizen pathway is the LAPD complaint process and the Board of Police Commissioners complaint intake; official complaint forms and online submission details are available on the LAPD and City oversight pages. Fees are not required to submit a complaint; specific form numbers or filing deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

Action steps after an incident

  • Document: record time, location, officer names/badge numbers, and any witness contacts.
  • Report: submit a complaint to LAPD Internal Affairs or the Board of Police Commissioners; use official complaint channels described on agency pages.
  • Contact oversight: notify the City Office of the Inspector General to request independent review.
  • Preserve evidence: request records or body-worn camera footage via the public records process.
File complaints promptly and gather witness contact details to support reviews.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about use of force?
You can file through LAPD Internal Affairs or the Board of Police Commissioners complaint intake; see official submission pages for online and mailed complaint options.[1]
Will the officer face criminal charges?
Criminal charges are pursued by prosecutors when evidence supports them; administrative discipline is handled separately by LAPD and the Commission. Specific outcomes depend on investigations and are not guaranteed.
How long does a review take?
Review length varies by case complexity; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited oversight pages.

How-To

  1. Record facts: write date, time, location, officer identifiers, and witness names.
  2. Submit complaint: use LAPD or Board of Police Commissioners complaint forms online or by mail as listed on official pages.[1]
  3. Contact oversight: notify the City OIG to request monitoring or review of the investigation.[2]
  4. Request records: file a public records request for body-worn camera or incident reports if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Los Angeles has department policies plus civilian oversight for use-of-force reviews.
  • File complaints through official LAPD or Commission channels to start review.
  • Contact the City OIG for independent oversight or to monitor an investigation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] LAPD Use of Force and complaint pages
  2. [2] City of Los Angeles Office of the Inspector General

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