Traffic collision photographs shall be sold to any person who has a proper interest in the photographs according to the criteria established in the "Sale of Traffic Collision Reports" section of the manual.
Photographs of seriously injured or dead persons generally should not be released to any person due to the extremely personal and potentially offensive nature of the photographs. Photographs of seriously injured or dead persons may be released, with discretion, to the victim, an immediate family member of the victim or an authorized representative of either person. The photographs shall not be released to other than the aforementioned persons.
The cost of traffic collision photographs is listed in the County Code.
Purchase of traffic collision photographs does not entitle the purchaser to any cross-referenced reports.
The person requesting the photographs shall prepare an Application for Release of Traffic Collision Information (SH-R-179) and take or mail the form and the correct remittance to the Scientific Services Bureau Photographic Laboratory, 2020 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057. The remittance shall be made out to the "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department."
The Photographic Laboratory shall authorize the release of photographs only upon receipt of both the SH-R-179 form and proper fees. The Photographic Laboratory supervisor may complete the form when a request is received without the SH-R-179. The Photographic Laboratory supervisor shall check with the Station/Unit involved or the Records and Identification Bureau when there is any doubt as to the validity of a request.
The Photographic Laboratory shall prepare a print of each negative for which a fee is paid.
The Photographic Laboratory shall retain the Application for Release of Traffic Collision Information and negatives of photographs.