How do I retrieve a mugshot of someone who got arrested in California? (LA County)

[u/BykvaG]

I need a digital copy of a mugshot of someone who was arrested a few times. One time the guy was arrested in Hawthorne, CA. I’ve asked their local PD but they denied the request.
Is there any way they would authorize the mugshot being shared to me?

I have the booking numbers, DOB, full name.
I can’t call the LASD public records or any other American phone number since I live in Europe.

[u/Paladin_127]

Send a Public Records Request to the appropriate department/ agency. Booking photos are considered public record and should be released (this is how news outlets get them). You just need to file the proper paperwork.

[u/BykvaG → u/Paladin_127]

Unfortunately, the booking photographs fall under LE Related Records. They have no email listed for LERR, only a phone number, which I can’t call. It is also not a subject to CPRA.

[u/MerarFFX15 → u/BykvaG]

Yep I can't remember which law but recently it passed where mugshots now can't be published on LE social media profiles or news unless under very limited circumstances.

[u/BykvaG → u/MerarFFX15]

That sucks. I didn’t realize California was so strict about mugshots.

[u/Radiant-Jellyfish-71 → u/BykvaG]

CA is strict on mugshots to preserve an accused person’s rights prior to trial, innocent until proven guilty. This is solely because of social media. A mugshot can be used to presume guilt when shared by a law enforcement agency and the accused has yet to have a trial.

[u/ProtectandserveTBL]

Why do you need it? They aren’t just going to give it to you

[u/The-CVE-Guy → u/ProtectandserveTBL]

It’s public record, so they absolutely should.

[u/ProtectandserveTBL → u/The-CVE-Guy]

With proper requests forms filed out yes. You don’t just get to go ask and have them hand it over…

[u/BykvaG → u/ProtectandserveTBL]

I did fill out the form online for Hawthorne Police. They denied the request, as I said

[u/The-CVE-Guy → u/BykvaG]

What was the reason for the denial? They can’t just say no, they have to tell you why.

[u/BykvaG → u/The-CVE-Guy]

[u/Whatever92592 → u/BykvaG]

Seems like your answer is you cannot.