The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has asked FilmL.A. to remind the production community that permission to use weapons/replica weapons during filming must be authorized by permit and advance notice must be provided to local law enforcement agencies. In the past, Sheriff’s Deputies have dealt with violations by issuing warnings for these infractions. Out of concern for public safety, the Department has issued new guidance.
Per the Sheriff’s Department, “Effective immediately, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will not be issuing warnings for [unpermitted weapons use]. If a film production is found to be in violation of their permit, a citation will be issued. Additionally, any and all weapons/replica weapons used in the violation will be collected for evidence under the citation file number and the production will not be allowed to continue.”
FilmL.A. would like to remind the industry of the following guidelines when planning to brandish weapons/replica weapons in any jurisdiction in public view:
- You must notify your FilmL.A. Coordinator of the activity when applying for your film permit.
- You must provide notification of the activity to local law enforcement agencies at least thirty (30) minutes
before the planned activity. - You must have a law enforcement officer present during scenes where weapons/replica weapons will be brandished and/or discharged.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in immediate revocation of your film permit. For answers to general production related questions, please contact FilmL.A.’s Production Planning Department at 213.977.8600.