REPORTING OF CIVIL ARRESTS IN COURTHOUSE FACILITIES – IMPLEMENTATION OF RULE OF COURT 10.440

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

COURT SERVICES DIVISION

Court Services Division Directive

Number:

26-01

Effective:

May 28, 2026

REPORTING OF CIVIL ARRESTS IN COURTHOUSE FACILITIES – IMPLEMENTATION OF RULE OF COURT 10.440

Purpose

The purpose of this directive is to establish procedures for reporting civil arrests occurring within court facilities, in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 10.440. This rule requires all superior courts statewide to submit standardized information regarding civil arrests to the Judicial Council.

Definition – Civil Arrest
For purposes of this directive and Rule 10.440:

Civil Arrest:
An arrest of an individual, or a communicated intent to arrest an individual, for an alleged violation of civil law.
 

Civil arrests do not include:
• Arrests for an alleged violation of criminal law
• Arrests for contempt

Court Facilities Include:
• Courthouse buildings
• Grounds adjacent to the building
• Public parking areas used for court access
(As defined in Government Code 70301(d))

Order

Each courthouse will complete a Civil Arrest Reporting Form for every known civil arrest occurring within a court facility.  Information shall be reported if known, and no personal identifying information of the subject shall be included.

Order (Continued)

Completed reports shall be submitted to their respective:
• Bureau Operations
• Superior Courts Office of Public Safety
• Court Supervising Judge
• Court Administrator

Reports shall be transmitted as soon as practicable following the incident.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Branch Supervisors and Watch Commanders shall ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.

• All personnel assigned to Court Services Division shall notify supervisory staff upon observing or receiving information regarding a civil arrest occurring within a court facility.

• Completed forms shall be reviewed for accuracy and forwarded through the appropriate channels.

The policies and procedures outlined in this directive shall remain in effect until this operational directive is revised or rescinded. 

Questions regarding this directive should be directed to the Court Services Training Unit at (213) 229-2195.

Attachments: Civil Arrest Reporting Form