Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) is one of the largest and most well-known law enforcement agencies in the United States. Serving the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County, the LASD provides policing services to unincorporated areas as well as 42 contract cities. In addition to operating the county jails—one of the largest jail systems in the world—the department supports numerous specialized units such as homicide, narcotics, and search and rescue, working to ensure public safety across a vast and diverse region.

The LASD also plays a critical role in community outreach and emergency response. Deputies are involved in public education programs, youth mentorship, and disaster preparedness initiatives. The department collaborates closely with local, state, and federal agencies to handle natural disasters, major incidents, and homeland security efforts. With a focus on both enforcement and engagement, LASD aims to build trust while maintaining law and order throughout Los Angeles County.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) is to serve and protect the diverse communities of Los Angeles County with integrity, courage, and professionalism. The LASD is committed to upholding the Constitution, enforcing the law fairly, and preserving the safety and well-being of all residents. Through collaboration with local communities, the department strives to build public trust, reduce crime, and provide effective and compassionate service. Every deputy is dedicated to maintaining peace, safeguarding human rights, and fostering a secure environment where people can live, work, and thrive.

Code of Ethics

As members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. Our fundamental duty is to serve the public—to safeguard lives and property, to protect the vulnerable from harm, and to uphold the principles of justice, liberty, and equality. We pledge to act with honesty, courage, and fairness in every interaction, and to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. We reject discrimination, abuse of power, and misconduct in any form. This code guides our conduct, shapes our decisions, and defines our commitment to the people we serve.

Expectations

To be a part of the LASD, individuals must exemplify the core values of honor, accountability, and service. All candidates and deputies are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism and discipline throughout their careers. The LASD values those who are community-focused, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning.

Primary Traits:

• Integrity & Accountability – Upholding ethical standards; taking responsibility for one’s actions.

• Maturity & Discipline – Demonstrating emotional resilience and consistent effort under pressure.

• Sound Judgment – Making rational, fair decisions in complex or stressful situations.

• Respect & Empathy – Treating all individuals with dignity, compassion, and fairness.

• Teamwork – Collaborating effectively with colleagues, leaders, and the public.

Secondary Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

• Knowledge of community-based policing strategies.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability.

• Professional appearance and conduct.

• Proficiency in lawful use of force and de-escalation practices.

As a deputy sheriff, you are more than an enforcer of laws—you are a community leader, a peacekeeper, and a representative of justice. The LASD expects every member to lead by example, support their peers, and engage with communities to build a safer and more inclusive Los Angeles County.

Traffic Services Detail

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department’s Traffic Services Detail is dedicated to promoting safe roadways throughout Los Angeles County. Deputies focus on reducing traffic collisions, fatalities, and injuries through proactive enforcement, DUI checkpoints, collision investigations, and public education. Targeting high-risk behaviors such as reckless driving, speeding, and impaired or distracted driving, the detail works to ensure safe travel for all who live in and pass through the county’s diverse communities.

Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB)

The LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau is a tactical unit responsible for managing high-risk operations and critical incidents across the county. SEB includes specialized teams such as SWAT, K-9, Emergency Services Detail (ESD), and the Tactical Bomb Squad. Known for its expert response to hostage situations, armed barricades, high-risk warrant service, and search-and-rescue missions, SEB is a cornerstone of the department’s commitment to public safety and tactical excellence.

Aero Bureau

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department’s Aero Bureau provides essential airborne support to patrol and specialized units. Operating a modern fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, the bureau enhances law enforcement capabilities through aerial surveillance, suspect pursuit, search and rescue, and disaster response. Covering one of the largest counties in the nation, the Aero Bureau plays a critical role in improving officer safety and reducing response times throughout the region.

Major Crimes Bureau (MCB)

The LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau conducts complex investigations targeting criminal organizations and individuals involved in crimes that threaten community safety. This includes organized crime, public corruption, serial offenses, and high-value thefts. Utilizing cutting-edge investigative tools and intelligence gathering techniques, MCB works collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle criminal enterprises and prevent large-scale criminal activity across Los Angeles County.

Homicide Bureau

The Homicide Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigates murders, officer-involved shootings, and suspicious deaths that occur within LASD jurisdiction. With a team of experienced detectives, the bureau handles high-profile and complex cases with integrity and sensitivity. Their work is vital to bringing closure to families, maintaining public trust, and ensuring that justice is served in the most serious cases of violent crime.

Special Investigations Bureau (SIB)

The LASD’s Special Investigations Bureau is a highly specialized unit that targets career criminals and dangerous suspects through intelligence-led operations and surveillance. Units within SIB include the Taskforce for Regional Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP), the Career Offender Unit, and surveillance teams that support major investigations. The bureau conducts covert operations and long-term investigations with precision and discretion, helping to proactively reduce violent crime throughout the county.