Wanted Persons Search: Find Active Listings & Verify Status

Wanted Persons are catalogued in public listings that combine federal, state and local data into a searchable wanted persons list. Each entry provides a wanted persons record with name, photograph, aliases, age, height, weight and the alleged offense that triggered the warrant. Researchers can perform a wanted person search by name, by case number or by physical description, using the wanted persons search tools offered by agencies. The system updates active wanted person status daily, allowing anyone to verify whether a suspect remains on the wanted list or has been captured. This transparency supports community safety, helps families confirm if a loved one appears as a wanted individual, and gives investigators a reliable source for wanted suspect background. Keywords such as wanted person lookup, wanted person search by name, how to check if someone is wanted and how to find a wanted person online are all answered through the official portals that publish the most wanted records.

Wanted Persons data is maintained by law enforcement agencies that issue warrants, failure‑to‑appear notices and parole violations, creating a wanted person database that the public can query. A typical wanted person lookup by name returns the wanted suspect’s full description, the issuing agency, the date of the warrant and any reward offered for information. When a name matches multiple records, the wanted persons search engine highlights distinguishing features such as tattoos, scars or recent known location, helping users avoid mistaken identity. The platform also records how often wanted person records are updated, ensuring that the status—active, recently added, located or removed—is current. Citizens who recognize a wanted individual can submit an anonymous tip, follow the recommended “do not approach” guidance and contact the appropriate agency. By integrating terms like wanted person information, wanted person database, wanted person records public and wanted list search, this resource strengthens public safety while respecting privacy limits on sealed or restricted records.

How to Search Wanted Persons

You can search wanted persons through the public wanted persons list published by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The list shows active wanted individuals who have outstanding warrants or pending charges. Each record shows a name, photograph, physical description, and the reason that person is wanted. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official inmate search resources. You do not need to register or pay any fee to view the list. The database updates regularly to show new entries, captures, and removals.

Official Search Portal: https://lasd.org/

Steps to Search

  1. Open your web browser and go to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website at https://lasd.org/.
  2. Look for the “Wanted Persons” or “Most Wanted” link in the main menu or homepage banner.
  3. Click the link to open the full list of active wanted individuals in Los Angeles County.
  4. Scroll through the list or use your browser’s search function (Ctrl+F) to type a name.
  5. Review the photograph, description, and offense for each entry to confirm a match.
  6. Record the case number and issuing agency if you find the person you are looking for.
  7. Do not contact the wanted person directly. Use the official tip line to share any information.

Search by Name

You can search wanted persons by name using the official LASD wanted persons database. Type the full legal name into the search bar on the portal. The system shows results that match the spelling you enter. If you do not know the middle name, you can search by first and last name only. Common misspellings may return no results, so try different name formats when you search.

Search by Case or Reference Number

You can also search by case number or warrant reference when you already have a number from a court document or police report. Enter the full case number, including the year, into the search field. The system returns the wanted person record linked to that specific case. This method gives you the fastest and most direct result when the case number is correct.

Information Needed for a Search

You should gather basic facts before you start a wanted person search. The more details you have, the easier it is to find a match. Useful search items include:

  • Full legal name, including any known aliases or nicknames.
  • Date of birth or approximate age range.
  • City, neighborhood, or zip code where the person was last seen.
  • Case number or warrant number, if you have one.
  • Physical description, including height, weight, scars, or tattoos.

Wanted Person Information

Wanted person information describes who the individual is and why law enforcement is looking for them. Each record in the public wanted persons database shows a complete profile. You can use this profile to confirm a match and learn the reason for the wanted status. The information comes directly from the issuing agency and is updated as new facts become available.

Name and Identifying Details

The wanted person name appears at the top of each record. The record also shows any known aliases, alternate spellings, or nicknames used by the individual. These aliases help you confirm a match when the person uses a different name in daily life. Identifying details may include a state identification number, a last known date of birth, and a gender marker assigned by the issuing agency.

Photograph and Physical Description

Each wanted person entry shows a current photograph taken at the time of booking or arrest. The photograph helps you confirm a match by sight. The physical description lists height, weight, eye color, hair color, and race. Distinguishing features such as tattoos, scars, or birthmarks are also listed. You can compare these traits to a person you are looking for to avoid a wrong match.

Date of Birth and Age

The date of birth shows the wanted person’s exact birth date. The age is calculated from that date and updates as time passes. Some records list only the year of birth when the full date is not confirmed. The age range helps you narrow your search when you know roughly how old the person is today.

Alleged Offense Information

The alleged offense section lists the crime the wanted person is accused of committing. The offense is described in plain language and may include the penal code section. Offense information explains what the person is wanted for, but it is an allegation, not a conviction. A court must decide guilt before any final outcome.

Warrant or Case Reference

Each wanted person record shows the warrant number and the case number tied to the arrest warrant. These reference numbers let you pull court records or contact the issuing court. The warrant type is also listed, such as felony warrant, misdemeanor warrant, or bench warrant. You can use these references to confirm that a warrant is still active.

Wanted Status

The wanted status shows whether the person is currently active, recently captured, or removed from the list. Active status means the person is still being sought. Captured status means the person has been taken into custody. Removed status means the warrant has been cleared or the case has been closed. The status field updates as new actions take place.

Wanted Person Search Results

Your search results show every wanted person record that matches the name or case number you entered. The system shows one entry per match, along with a photo and short description. You should review each result carefully to make sure you have the right person. Search results may include similar names or aliases, so careful review protects you from a wrong match.

Identifying the Correct Person

You can identify the correct person by comparing each search result to the individual you are researching. Start with the photograph, then check the age, height, and weight. Look at any aliases and the last known address. If the details match, you have found the right record. If any major detail does not match, the person on the list is a different individual.

Matching Names and Identifying Details

You should match both the name and the identifying details before drawing a conclusion. Two people can share the same first and last name, especially common names. The date of birth, photograph, and physical description help you tell them apart. Always confirm more than one detail before you decide that you have found the right person.

Reviewing Wanted Status

You should review the wanted status field on every result you view. The status tells you whether the person is still being sought or has been taken into custody. A result that shows “captured” means the person is no longer wanted. A result that shows “active” means the warrant is still open and the person has not been located.

Checking Record Updates

You should check the record update date to see when the entry was last changed. The wanted persons database updates each time a new detail is added or the status changes. A recent update date means the information is current. An old update date may mean no new information has come in for some time. You should always rely on the most recent update for your search.

Verifying Available Information

You can verify available information by cross-referencing the public record with court records or police reports. The warrant number on the entry lets you check the court system. The issuing agency on the entry lets you contact the sheriff’s office or police department that filed the warrant. A cross-reference gives you the highest confidence that the information is correct.

Wanted Person Status

Wanted person status tells you the current state of every person on the public list. The status changes as cases move through the system. You can use the status to confirm whether someone is still wanted or has been cleared. The table below shows the main status types used in the LASD wanted persons database.

StatusMeaning
Active WantedThe person has an open warrant and is being sought by law enforcement.
Recently AddedThe person was placed on the wanted list within the last few days.
LocatedThe person has been found and is in law enforcement custody.
ApprehendedThe person has been formally arrested based on the warrant.
RemovedThe person is no longer on the list due to clearance, recall, or court action.

Currently Wanted Individuals

Currently wanted individuals are people with active arrest warrants. They remain on the public list until they are taken into custody or the warrant is recalled by a court. You can view their records at any time through the public portal. Each record shows the latest status, photo, and offense information for the individual.

Recently Added Listings

Recently added listings show individuals placed on the wanted list in the past 30 days. These entries often include the freshest photographs and offense details. You can check this section to see who has been added since your last visit. New listings are marked with a date that shows when the record was first published.

Located or Captured Individuals

Located or captured individuals are people who have been found and taken into custody. Their records may stay on the list for a short time to confirm the arrest. Once confirmed, the status changes to “removed” and the entry is archived. You can review this section to confirm that someone you were looking for has been caught.

Removed Wanted Listings

Removed wanted listings are no longer active on the public list. They are moved to an archive after a set time period. Removal can happen because the person was arrested, the warrant was recalled, or the case was dismissed. You can still find past records in the archive section of the portal when available.

Status Updates

Status updates happen whenever a wanted person is added, captured, or removed. The portal updates the list as soon as the issuing agency confirms the new status. You should refresh the page often to see the most current information. Major status changes are also shared through public news releases from the sheriff’s department.

Why a Person May Appear on a Wanted List

A person may appear on a wanted list for several legal reasons. Most wanted persons have an outstanding warrant that has not been served. Other reasons include missed court dates, probation violations, and new criminal allegations. Each reason is linked to a court action or law enforcement request. The list below shows the most common reasons a name is added to a wanted list.

  • An arrest warrant issued after new criminal charges are filed.
  • A bench warrant issued by a judge for failure to appear in court.
  • A parole hold issued by the state parole board for a violation.
  • A probation violation reported by a probation officer.
  • An out-of-county warrant that has been entered into the state system.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

An outstanding arrest warrant is a court order that lets law enforcement take a person into custody. Warrants are issued after a prosecutor files charges or a grand jury returns an indictment. The warrant is added to the wanted list when the person cannot be found at their last known address. The entry stays active until the person is arrested or the warrant is recalled.

Failure to Appear in Court

Failure to appear in court happens when a person who is required at a hearing does not show up. A judge can then issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This type of warrant is added to the wanted list so the public can help locate the missing person. The original charge may be minor, but the failure to appear creates a new legal problem.

Probation or Parole Violations

Probation or parole violations happen when a person on supervised release breaks the rules of that release. A judge or parole board can issue a warrant for the person’s return to custody. These warrants are added to the wanted list, especially when the person cannot be found at their approved address. The violation can be a new crime or a technical breach of release terms.

Serious Criminal Allegations

Serious criminal allegations such as violent crimes, major drug offenses, or white-collar crimes can place a person on a wanted list. These cases often draw more public attention because of the severity of the charge. The sheriff’s department may issue a public notice with a photograph and a request for tips. Reward amounts may be offered for information that leads to an arrest.

Other Reasons for Wanted Status

Other reasons can include child support warrants, traffic warrants, or immigration detainers. Each reason is tied to a court order or government request. Additional county documentation and official archives are indexed under releasedinmates. The public list shows the basic reason for the wanted status, but you may need to contact the issuing agency for a full explanation. Some warrants are sealed by a judge and do not appear on the public list.

Wanted Person Records

Wanted person records are the official files that describe each individual on the list. A record includes warrant data, case data, and physical description. These records are the source for the public list and are updated by the issuing agency. You can read a record to learn the full story behind a wanted person entry. The table below shows the main parts of a typical wanted person record.

Record FieldWhat It Shows
Warrant InformationWarrant type, issuing court, and date the warrant was signed.
Case InformationCase number, charge level, and related court dates.
Alleged Offense DetailsStatute citation and short description of the alleged conduct.
Issuing AgencyThe sheriff’s station or police department that filed the case.
Last Known InformationMost recent address or location linked to the individual.
Record Publication DateDate the record was first added to the public wanted list.

Warrant Information

Warrant information identifies the legal document that authorizes an arrest. It shows the warrant type, the date it was signed, and the court that issued it. The record may also list any bond amount set by the judge. You can use this data to confirm the warrant is genuine and still in force.

Case Information

Case information includes the docket number, the court of jurisdiction, and the latest hearing date. This data connects the wanted person to a specific court file. You can search the same case number at the courthouse to read the full court history. Case information helps you see how the legal process has moved forward.

Alleged Offense Details

Alleged offense details describe the conduct the person is accused of. The record uses the penal code citation and a plain-language summary. The description is based on the initial report, not a final ruling. You should treat the offense as an allegation until a court makes a final decision.

Issuing Agency

The issuing agency is the law enforcement body that filed the case. It may be a sheriff’s station, a city police department, or a state agency. The agency name is shown on the record so you know who to contact for more details. The agency also handles any tips submitted about the wanted person.

Last Known Information

Last known information shows the most recent address or area where the person was seen. The data is based on bookings, court filings, or reports from family and friends. The information can be outdated, so you should treat it as a clue rather than a guarantee. The address is sometimes withheld to protect a witness or victim.

Record Publication Date

The record publication date is the day the profile first appeared on the public list. This date helps you tell how long the person has been on the list. A long publication date can mean the case is complex or the person has avoided capture. You can compare this date to the status update date to see how recent the activity has been.

Wanted Persons Outside the Local Area

Wanted persons outside the local area are people wanted by other counties, states, or federal agencies. They may still appear in the LASD database if they are believed to be in Los Angeles County. Local law enforcement works with outside agencies to locate and arrest these individuals. You can see these entries on the public list under the same search tool used for local wanted persons.

Individuals Located in Other Jurisdictions

Individuals located in other jurisdictions are wanted by a different city, county, or state. Their records enter the LASD system when a tip links them to Los Angeles County. Local deputies may assist in locating these individuals but the case stays with the original agency. The record shows which agency holds the warrant so you know who to contact with information.

Out-of-Area Wanted Persons

Out-of-area wanted persons have warrants from places outside Los Angeles County. They are added to the local list when there is reason to believe they are in the area. The list shows the home agency and contact details. You can submit a tip through the local system, and the LASD will forward the information to the home agency.

Extradition Information

Extradition is the legal process of returning a wanted person to the state or county that issued the warrant. The home agency decides whether to seek extradition based on the severity of the charge. Some fugitives waive extradition, while others fight it in court. The wanted person record may show the extradition status when known.

Interagency Cooperation

Interagency cooperation allows different law enforcement bodies to share information about wanted persons. The LASD works with the California Department of Justice, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals on major cases. This cooperation makes sure wanted persons are tracked across borders. Joint operations often lead to arrests that a single agency could not complete alone.

Reporting Information About a Wanted Person

You can report information about a wanted person through official channels set up by the LASD. Tips are reviewed by investigators who follow up on every credible lead. You can choose to remain anonymous when you share information. Never take action on your own when you spot a wanted individual. The list below shows the main ways you can share a tip.

  • Call the LASD tip line at (213) 229-1850 to share details with a deputy.
  • Use the online tip form on the official LASD website.
  • Submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS for anonymous reporting.
  • Contact your local police department if the wanted person is in your neighborhood.
  • Reach out to the issuing agency listed on the wanted person record.

How to Submit a Tip

You can submit a tip by calling the LASD tip line, using the online form, or contacting Crime Stoppers. Each method connects you with trained staff who record your information. The dispatcher or form handler will ask for facts only, not your opinion. You will receive a tip number that you can use to follow up later.

Anonymous Tip Options

You can submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers or through the LASD anonymous tip portal. Your name and contact information are not required for these options. The tip is logged under a code number, not your identity. You can still qualify for a reward if your tip leads to an arrest, even when you stay anonymous.

Information to Include in a Tip

You should include clear, factual details in your tip to help investigators act quickly. Helpful items include:

  • The location where you saw the wanted person, with time and date.
  • A description of what the person was doing and who they were with.
  • Vehicle details, including make, model, color, and license plate.
  • Any direction of travel you observed after the sighting.
  • Your contact information if you are willing to be reached for follow-up.

When to Contact Law Enforcement

You should contact law enforcement right away when you see a wanted person and feel there is a safety risk. Call 911 for an emergency when the person appears violent or armed. Call the non-emergency line when the sighting is not urgent. Quick reporting helps deputies respond before the wanted person leaves the area.

Do Not Approach a Wanted Person

You should never approach a wanted person on your own, even if you know them personally. Wanted individuals may be armed, desperate, or unstable. They can also become hostile when they feel cornered. The safest action is to observe from a distance, leave the area, and call law enforcement right away.

Wanted Person Records That Are Unavailable

Some wanted person records are not available to the public. These records are removed or hidden for legal or safety reasons. You may notice a missing record when you expect to see it on the list. The system does not show every wanted individual, only those cleared for public release. You can ask the issuing agency about a specific case if the record is not on the list.

Recently Added Individuals

Recently added individuals may not appear on the public list for a short time. The agency may need to confirm the warrant, notify family, or set up an investigation before publishing. During this period, the record is held in the internal system. Once the agency clears the record, it is added to the public list.

Removed or Archived Listings

Removed or archived listings are no longer on the active public list. They are kept in an archive for historical use. You may not be able to find a past entry through the regular search tool. The agency can still confirm a past record when you contact them directly with a name and date range.

Sealed or Restricted Information

Sealed or restricted information is hidden by a court order. The court may seal a record to protect a victim, a witness, or an ongoing investigation. Juvenile records are also restricted from public view. You cannot view these records online, and the agency may not confirm they exist.

Incorrect or Incomplete Details

Incorrect or incomplete details can lead to a record being temporarily hidden. The agency may pull a record while it corrects a wrong name, photograph, or offense. The record returns to the list after the correction is made. You can report any detail that looks wrong to the issuing agency for review.

Delayed Status Updates

Delayed status updates can happen when an arrest or release is still being processed. The public list may show “active” even after a person has been booked into jail. The system updates once the paperwork is complete. You may see a one- to two-day delay between the actual event and the system update.

Wanted Persons and Related Records

Wanted person records are one of several public records maintained by law enforcement. Other records include active warrants, arrest records, criminal records, and inmate records. Each type of record serves a different purpose. You should know the difference so you can find the right record for your search. The table below shows how wanted person records compare to related record types.

Record TypePurposePublic Access
Wanted PersonsList of people being sought on open warrants.Available through the LASD public portal.
Active WarrantsSearchable database of all open warrants in a county.Available through court or sheriff websites.
Arrest RecordsLog of every arrest processed by a law enforcement agency.Available through the agency or court records request.
Criminal RecordsFull history of charges and dispositions for an individual.Available through the state Department of Justice.
Inmate RecordsCurrent list of people held in jail or prison.Available through the county jail inmate locator.

Wanted Persons vs. Active Warrants

Wanted persons are individuals, while active warrants are the legal orders for their arrest. A wanted person record pulls data from an active warrant and adds identifying details. The active warrant database shows the legal side of the case, while the wanted person list shows the human side. You may need both records to get the full picture of a case.

Wanted Persons vs. Arrest Records

Arrest records show every arrest, including those that did not lead to a wanted status. A wanted person record appears when a person was released before booking or failed to appear after release. Arrest records also cover people who were arrested and are now in jail. The two records work together to track a person from arrest to release or capture.

Wanted Persons vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records show the full history of a person’s charges, pleas, and convictions. Wanted person records only show current open cases. A person on the wanted list may or may not have prior convictions. You should check both records when you need the complete background of an individual.

Wanted Persons vs. Inmate Records

Inmate records show people currently in custody at a jail or prison. A wanted person is not in custody, which is why the public is asked to help find them. When a wanted person is arrested, their name moves from the wanted list to the inmate locator. You can use the inmate locator to confirm an arrest after a wanted person is captured.

Contact Information

You can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for help with wanted person questions, tip submissions, or record requests. The department operates 24 hours a day for jail information and offers business-hour support for other services. The main office is located in downtown Los Angeles, near the county courthouse.

  • Location: 211 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
  • Contact Number: (213) 229-1850.
  • Office Hours: 24/7 for Jail Information; Business hours vary by facility.
  • Official Website Search Portal: https://lasd.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department keeps a public wanted persons list that helps residents stay safe and assists law enforcement in locating suspects. Each entry includes a name, photo, physical description, and the reason for the warrant. The database is free to access, updates several times a week, and covers all active warrants in the county. By checking the list you can verify whether someone you know is currently wanted, learn how to report tips, and understand the legal process behind each case. This FAQ answers the most common questions about searching, interpreting, and using the wanted persons records.

How can I search the Los Angeles County wanted persons list?

To search the Los Angeles County wanted persons list start at the department’s website and click the wanted persons link. Enter the full or partial name in the search box and press enter. The results page shows every matching record with a thumbnail photo and basic details. Click a thumbnail to open the full record where you will see age, height, aliases and the specific charge. The site does not require registration or payment, and it refreshes automatically each time you load a new page.

What details are shown for each wanted person record?

Each wanted person record displays a headshot, full legal name, date of birth or age, and physical traits such as height, weight, hair and eye color. You will also see any known aliases, last known address, and the jurisdiction that issued the warrant. The charge section lists the alleged offense, case number, and whether an arrest warrant is active. If the agency has added a crime description, it appears at the bottom of the page. All fields are drawn from the most recent law‑enforcement filing.

How do I verify if a person is actively wanted?

To confirm an active wanted status look for the word active next to the warrant label in the full record. The database marks a case as active when an arrest warrant has not been satisfied. Compare the listed issuing agency and case number with the county’s public warrant list to be certain. If the entry shows inactive or closed, the individual is no longer pursued for that charge. For extra certainty call the department’s tip line during business hours.

How Can I Search for a Wanted Person by Name?

Begin at the LASD public portal and choose the wanted persons lookup option. Type the exact first and last name into the name field; partial names also work if you include a wildcard character. Press the search button and wait a moment for the system to scan the most recent entries. Matching results appear in a list; select the desired name to view the complete record. The portal saves no personal data, so each session remains private.

What Should I Do If I Recognize a Wanted Person?

Do not approach the individual. Move to a safe location and call the department’s tip line at the number listed on the website. Provide the person’s name, description, last known address and the circumstance of your sighting. If you can do so safely, note the time and any vehicle details. The tip line accepts anonymous calls, and the department will follow up with the appropriate investigative unit. Report any new information as soon as possible.