The field units are also the initial on scene investigator at any collision scene. Their primary responsibility at the scene of a collision is to first identify any victims and tend to their injuries. Next they provide the necessary traffic control so that they may properly and safely investigate the collision. Once the on scene investigation has concluded, the deputies will file the necessary traffic collision reports which will summarize the incident and determine a cause.

The traffic office is made up of one motor sergeant, one investigator and one secretary. The sergeant not only supervises all office and field personnel, but also actively works in the field to promote traffic safety. The investigator is responsible for reviewing all collision reports, conducting follow up investigations on hit and run collisions, providing assistance and expertise at major collision scenes and the filing of criminal cases. The secretary holds the office together by making sure that all reports and citations get properly processed to their proper location.

What if I'm involved in a Traffic Collision?

First and foremost is to ensure that you and any other involved parties are not injured. If someone is injured and requires Emergency Medical treatment by Paramedics call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries and you need the Sheriff's Department to respond, please call (310) 855-8850 and report the collision.

Be prepared to present your Drivers license, Registration and Proof of Insurance to the Deputy and/or the other parties involved. The Deputy on scene will not provide you with the information from the other parties at the scene of the collision. If you would like the information at that time, please exchange this information with the other parties yourself.

This information will be available on the Traffic Collision Report, however the report will not be available for seven to ten business days. Please do not call to obtain information from the report as we will be unable to answer any questions until the report is processed.

Once your report has been processed, you can obtain a copy of your report by either coming to the station and purchasing a copy for $21.00* or sending in a mail request along with a check for $21.00* payable to the "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department". *Subject to change

Please mail your requests to:

West Hollywood Sheriff's Station
Attn: Records
720 N. San Vicente Bl.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Please include your "Report Number" on any report requests. Note: Our policy does not allow us to fax reports.

Back to top

What if I disagree with the final collision report?

All of our field traffic units have extensive training and experience in traffic collision investigation. Sometimes parties involved may disagree with the outcome of the report or feel that information was left out. If you fall into this category, please send an email to Detective Brooks at trbrooks@lasd.org with a detailed explanation of your grievance. Also include your name, address, phone number and report number in the email. Det. Brooks will read your statement and if necessary amend the first report. However most findings in reports are final and will not be changed. Your statement will be attached to a supplemental report which becomes part of the first report for reference purposes.

Back to top

What if I get a traffic citation?

Nobody enjoys getting a traffic citation but If you do receive one, you have three options.

1. First, is to simply pay the fine.
2. Your second option is to attend traffic school. Traffic school will keep the violation off of your drivers record and keep it from your insurance company.
3. Your final option is to contest the ticket in front of a judge.

Whichever option you pick, you must contact the court before the designated court date to arrange one of the above. Please wait approximately two weeks before contacting the court so that your citation can be processed into the court system. There are also three ways you can contact the court. You can appear in person at the designated courthouse, use the automated phone system by calling (310) 860-0070 or visiting the Superior Court web site by following the link below. Once a citation is written and processed through our office, any concerns regarding the citation should be addressed to the court. If you have questions about the specific Vehicle Code section you were cited for, you can visit the DMV web site and look up the information or even download forms.

www.lasuperiorcourt.org

www.dmv.ca.gov

Back to top

I want to report a traffic problem:

If you live in the city of West Hollywood and would like to report a traffic problem or concern, please click on the Sheriff's badge below to send an email to the Traffic Office. Please include the nature of the problem or concern, time of occurrence and location of occurrence.