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FilmLA has gathered the location filming information in this article as a service to the entertainment industry. It is updated regularly, but also subject to change. FilmLA cannot and does not guarantee that the information contained here is at any time complete and without error. By using this site, you acknowledge these limitations and agree that neither FilmLA, nor its predecessors, successors, partners, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives shall be liable for any reason for damages of any nature (including special, incidental, compensatory, consequential or punitive) to any individual or entity who uses or relies on the information contained here for any purpose. Factual errors may be reported to FilmLA using the links provided at the bottom of the article.
LAPD Hire Assignments by Activity
In the City of Los Angeles, retired or active off-duty officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are sometimes required for film set supervision. The type and number of officers assigned to a production depends on the type of activity listed on the film permit.
The assignment numbers listed in this document are minimums. Productions shall remain responsible for requesting additional officers or other safety mechanisms, if in their professional judgement, the circumstances of the production warrant enhanced measures. The absence of a required officer shall not relieve productions of liability for ensuring safety or compliance with application laws and permit condition.
Guns / Pursuits / Performers in Police Uniform
For all activities in this category, LAPD Communications Division MUST be notified.
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
| Simulated Vehicle Pursuit on Closed Road | Minimum: 1 - Requires Notification of Area Watch Command |
| Simulated Foot Pursuit with Uniformed Officers (Actors) | Minimum: 1 - Requires Notification of Area Watch Command |
| Brandishing Weapons in PUBLIC View | Minimum: 1 - Requires Notification of Area Watch Command |
| Simulated Gunfire - Interior or Exterior Building | Minimum: 1 - Requires Notification of Area Watch Command |
| Simulated Police Activity / Crime-in-Progress |
Minimum: 1 - Requires Notification of Area Watch Command This officer may not also do traffic control. |
| Squib Hits |
Case-by-Case Basis LAPD Film Unit must review. |
Traffic Control Activities
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
| Intermittent Traffic Control: Two-Way Street |
1 officer needed at beginning of traffic break in each direction of travel, for a minimum of 2. Two-minute standard ITC only. |
| Intermittent Traffic Control: One-Way Street |
1 officer needed at beginning of traffic break. Two-minute standard ITC only. |
| Intermittent Traffic Control: Major Thoroughfare |
Case-by-Case Basis Size, scope and production activities will determine the number of officers needed. |
| Traffic Lane Closures |
Minimum: 1 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. Requires traffic plans. |
| Full Street Closures |
1 officer needed at each intersection and end of street closures, for a minimum of 2. Requires traffic plans. |
| Holding Intersections |
Minimum: 4-6 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. Requires traffic plans. |
Closures
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
| Curb Lane Closure | NO Officer - Unless trucks extend into traffic lane OR if trucks block a crosswalk's line of sight. |
| Red Curb Lane Closure | Minimum: 1 - Red Curb Parking is Outside Standard Parking Rules |
| Intermittent Pedestrian Control |
Case-by-Case Basis Size, scope and production activities will determine the number of officers needed. |
| Bicycle Lane Closures |
Minimum: 1 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. Requires traffic plans. |
| Blind Curve Truck Parking | Minimum: 1 |
| Truck Parking Wrong Way in Parking Lane | Minimum: 1 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. |
| Truck Parking on Streets with NO Sidewalk | Minimum: 1 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. |
| Cabling Across Streets | Minimum: 1 - Depending on Location, Time of Day, and Pedestrian/Traffic Volume. |
Driving Work Activities
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
|
Running Shots / Driving Shots w/ Vehicle Flow of Traffic With equipment production into adjacent lane (hostess tray, etc.) |
Minimum: 2 Motorcycle Officers |
| Stunt Driving / Precision Driving |
Requires LAPD Review for Location, Time of Day, Traffic Volume, Actual Activity. Requires traffic plans. |
| Insert Car without Trailer |
Minimum: 2 Motorcycle Officers Requires LAPD review for location, time of day, and traffic volume. |
| Insert Car with Process Trailer |
Minimum: 3 Motorcycle Officers Requires LAPD review for location, time of day, and traffic volume. |
| Pod Cars | Minimum: 2 Motorcycle Officers |
| Russian Arm |
Minimum: 2 Motorcycle Officers Requires LAPD review for location, time of day, and traffic volume. |
Driving / Walking Grids
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
| Driving Grids |
Case-by-Case Basis Depends on crew size and number of vehicles used. |
| Walking Grids |
Case-by-Case Basis Depends on crew size and number of vehicles used. |
High Impact Activities / Miscellaneous
| Activity | # of Assigned Officers |
|---|---|
| Helicopter Landing on Certified Heliport | No Minimum - Needs review by LAPD Air Support |
| Helicopter Landing / Activity (Not on Certified Heliport) |
Case-by-Case Basis Requires LAPD review to determine # of officers required. |
| Music Videos (Outside, w/ Potential to Draw a Crowd) |
Case-by-Case Basis Depends on location, time of day, and if musician(s) are well known and could draw a crowd. |