You're driving down Venice Boulevard and see that distinct mid-century concrete facade. That’s it. The Wilshire Community Police Station isn't just a building; it is a massive logistical hub for one of the most diverse and densely populated chunks of Los Angeles.
Honestly, most people only end up here when something has gone wrong. Maybe your car got broken into near the Grove, or you’re trying to clear up a fix-it ticket. It’s stressful. But if you understand how this specific station operates within the LAPD hierarchy, the whole process becomes way less of a headache.
The station serves a whopping 251,000 residents. Think about that. That is more people than the entire population of many mid-sized American cities, all packed into about 14 square miles. It covers the Miracle Mile, Mid-Wilshire, Carthay Circle, and parts of Koreatown. If you live in the 90036 or 90019 zip codes, this is your home base for public safety.
Where is the Wilshire Community Police Station Exactly?
It is located at 4861 West Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019.
If you are coming from the Westside, you'll head east on Venice. It sits right between La Brea Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard. Parking is usually the biggest gripe. There is a small public lot, but it fills up fast, so you might end up circling the side streets near South San Pedro or West Boulevard. Just watch the signs. LA parking enforcement is legendary for their speed.
The front desk is open 24/7, but "open" is a relative term. If you show up at 3:00 AM to report a non-emergency theft, expect to wait. The officers are often busy processing arrests or handling late-night calls.
Why the location matters for response times
Geography is destiny in policing. Because the Wilshire area is centrally located, officers can get to the 10 Freeway pretty quickly, but surface street traffic in Mid-City is a nightmare. During rush hour, a "Code 3" (lights and sirens) response from the station to the northern edge near Melrose can still take longer than you’d expect.
The station falls under the jurisdiction of the Operations-West Bureau. This puts it in the same family as Hollywood, West LA, and Pacific divisions.
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Making a Report at Wilshire Station
Don't just walk in expecting a five-minute turnaround.
If you are there to file a report for a lost phone or a minor "cold" burglary—meaning the suspect is long gone—you’re going to be sitting in that lobby for a bit. Bring a book. Better yet, check if you can do it online. The LAPD’s Community Online Reporting Service (CORS) handles things like harassing phone calls, hit-and-runs (with no injuries), and lost property.
However, if you need a "Property Release," you have to go in person.
I've seen people get frustrated because they think every officer at the desk can help with every problem. It doesn't work that way. Detectives work specific tables. There’s a dedicated Burglary unit, a Robbery unit, and a specialized Auto Theft detail. If you want to talk to a detective about an ongoing case, you should call (213) 922-8205 first to make sure they are actually at their desk and not out in the field.
Surprising facts about the Wilshire area
- It houses some of the city's most prestigious museums (LACMA, The Peterson).
- The population density is among the highest in Southern California.
- The "Wilshire" name is a bit of a misnomer since the station itself is blocks away from Wilshire Boulevard.
Community Relations and the C-PAB
Most people don’t realize they can actually influence how their neighborhood is policed. The Wilshire Community Police Station has a Community-Police Advisory Board (C-PAB).
This isn't just some boring committee. It’s a group of residents and business owners who meet with the Captain to talk about what’s actually happening on their streets. Are there too many unhoused encampments blocking sidewalks? Is there a spike in catalytic converter thefts in Brookside? This is where those conversations happen.
The current commanding officer is usually a Captain III. They are the "CEO" of the station. Under them, you have the Captain I, who usually oversees the patrol side of things.
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If you really want to get involved, look into the Senior Lead Officers (SLOs). These are your "neighborhood" cops. They don't just respond to 911 calls; they are responsible for long-term problem-solving in specific basic car areas.
- Basic Car 7A1: Covering the northern reaches near Melrose.
- Basic Car 7A47: Focusing on the Mid-City neighborhoods.
- Basic Car 7A85: Handling the busy corridors near La Cienega.
You can find your specific SLO by entering your address on the LAPD website's "Find Your Local Station" tool. Getting on their email list is the single best way to know what's actually happening on your block versus what you see on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, which—let's be honest—can be a bit hyperbolic.
Navigating the Bureaucracy
Getting a police report copy isn't free.
As of late 2025, the fee for a traffic accident report or a crime report is usually around $25-$30, but it fluctuates. You can’t just walk out with it, either. Often, it has to be processed through the Records and Identification (R&I) Division downtown, though the station staff can guide you on the paperwork.
If your car was towed in the Wilshire area, it likely went to an Official Police Garage (OPG). For Wilshire Division, that is frequently Ross & Sons or a similar nearby lot. Call the station's front desk at (213) 473-0476 to confirm where your vehicle is located before you spend $60 on an Uber to the wrong tow yard.
Safety Realities in Mid-Wilshire
The Wilshire area is a "high-activity" zone.
That doesn't mean it’s unsafe, but it means you have to be "city smart." The station deals with a lot of "Follow-Home" robberies and "Smash-and-Grabs" because of the high concentration of luxury retail and wealthy residential pockets nearby.
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The detectives at Wilshire are particularly experienced in retail theft cases because of the Grove and Beverly Center. They work closely with private security at these locations. If you're a business owner in the area, the station often holds "Business Watch" meetings to share intel on active shoplifting rings.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think Wilshire Station covers Beverly Hills. It doesn't. Beverly Hills has its own independent police department. If you call 911 from the middle of Rodeo Drive, you won't be talking to the Wilshire LAPD. The boundaries are very specific, often cutting right through the middle of streets like San Vicente or La Cienega.
Logistics and Contact Info
For those who need the quick hits, here is the essential contact data for the Wilshire Community Police Station:
Main Phone: (213) 473-0476
Non-Emergency Dispatch: (877) ASK-LAPD
Community Relations Office: (213) 473-0200
Detective Desk: (213) 922-8205
If you are a victim of a crime, ask for your DR (Division Record) Number. You will need this for insurance. Without it, you’re basically starting from zero every time you call to check on the status of your case.
Practical Steps to Take Now
If you live or work in the Wilshire area, don't wait for an emergency to interact with the station.
- Identify your Senior Lead Officer. Go to the LAPD website, find the Wilshire area map, and save your SLO's cell phone number. They are usually very responsive to text or email for non-emergency neighborhood issues.
- Sign up for the E-Policing newsletter. This gives you crime stats specific to your "Basic Car" area so you know if there’s a sudden rash of garage burglaries or window smashings nearby.
- Secure your property. Wilshire detectives repeatedly cite "crimes of opportunity." Lock your gates. Don't leave a laptop bag in the passenger seat of your car, even for "just a minute" while you grab coffee on Larchmont.
- Volunteer. The station often looks for volunteers for the front desk or community events. It’s a great way to see the inner workings of the department and meet the officers who patrol your street.
- Use the "MyLA311" App. For things like graffiti, abandoned furniture, or broken streetlights, don't call the police station. Use the app. It keeps the police lines clear for actual crimes while still getting the neighborhood cleaned up.
Knowing the layout and the leadership at the Wilshire Community Police Station makes you a more informed citizen and a harder target for crime. It’s one of the busiest stations in the city, so being prepared and having the right contact info is the best way to ensure you get the help you need when you need it.