Philadelphia County Police Records Search
Philadelphia County is Pennsylvania's most populous county and operates as a consolidated city-county, meaning the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia County share the same government and the same geographic boundaries. With over 1.6 million residents, it is home to major law enforcement agencies, multiple court systems, and a comprehensive public records infrastructure. Police records in Philadelphia County include incident reports, arrest records, warrant information, criminal case files, crash reports, and fire reports. This guide explains how to locate and request Philadelphia County police records through the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Records, District Attorney, PATCH system, and other official sources.
Philadelphia County Quick Facts
Philadelphia County Police Records and Public Access
Philadelphia County is a consolidated city-county with over 1.6 million residents. The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the primary law enforcement agency, operating 21 police districts across the city. The Philadelphia County Sheriff also operates within the county alongside the PPD, handling civil process and court-related functions. Police records in Philadelphia County include incident reports, arrest records, warrant information, and criminal case files generated by both agencies.
The Philadelphia Police Department is headquartered at 750 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. The non-emergency number is (215) 686-8686. For emergencies, always call 911. You can find full department information, district contacts, and service listings on the official department page at phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-police-department/. The department serves all neighborhoods across the county's 142 square miles and maintains records going back decades.
Because Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, records that would normally be split between a city police department and a county sheriff's office are managed through a unified structure here. Understanding which agency holds the records you need is the first step in any records request. This guide walks through each major source so you can identify the right office for your specific request.
Getting Police Reports in Philadelphia County
Incident reports and most public safety records in Philadelphia County are handled by the Philadelphia Department of Records. The Records Division is located at City Hall, Room 170, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The phone number is (215) 686-2266. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Police incident reports are requested using Form 82-47 and cost $25 (non-refundable). Crash reports and fire reports are available through the online portal at public-safety-reports.phila.gov. All other report types must be submitted in person or by mail. Download all request forms at phila.gov/documents/public-safety-report-request-forms/. Processing times for incident reports run 10 to 12 weeks. Plan accordingly if you need documentation for an insurance claim, legal proceeding, or other time-sensitive purpose.
Mail requests to: Department of Records, Incident Reports, Room 170, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Include two self-addressed stamped envelopes to help expedite the return of your documents. Payment must be made by business check or money order payable to "City of Philadelphia." Cash is not accepted for mail-in submissions.
The Philadelphia Department of Records handles all public safety report requests, and their page at phila.gov/services/crime-law-justice/get-a-copy-of-a-public-safety-report/ explains the full process.
The Department of Records processes requests for incident reports, crash reports, fire reports, and letters of good conduct. Each report type has its own form and fee schedule, so review the department's current guidelines before submitting payment.
Philadelphia Police Department Right-to-Know Requests
Formal Right-to-Know requests for Philadelphia Police Department records are handled by the PPD Open Records Officer. The designated officer is LaVanda K. Harris. The mailing and visit address is 1500 Arch Street, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. The direct phone number is (215) 686-2176, and the email address is police.openrecords@phila.gov.
Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104), agencies must respond within five business days. They may grant full access, deny the request with a written explanation, or request a 30-day extension. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard paper copies. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov or by calling 717-346-9903. Their address is 333 Market Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA.
An important distinction applies to body camera footage and audio recordings. These are NOT processed under the Right-to-Know Law but rather under 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 67A03, which establishes a separate process for law enforcement audio-visual records. The City of Philadelphia also does not process RTK requests for certain independent entities. The Parking Authority, School District, and District Attorney's Office each have their own separate RTK officers and must be contacted directly for records held by those organizations.
The Philadelphia Police Department's official page at phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-police-department/ lists department services and open records contact information.
The department handles non-emergency calls at (215) 686-8686 and directs records requests through the Open Records Officer. For questions about which type of request to file, contact the Open Records Officer before submitting your request.
Philadelphia County District Attorney Records
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office handles criminal prosecution and maintains investigative records related to prosecuted cases. The District Attorney is Larry Krasner. The office is located at Three South Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The main phone number is (215) 686-8000. The official website is at phila.gov/departments/district-attorneys-office/.
The DA's office has its own separate RTK officer for records requests. Do not submit RTK requests for DA records to the Philadelphia Police Department or the Department of Records. Each office maintains its own records and handles requests independently. If you are unsure which office holds the records you need, describe the type of record and the date range when you contact the DA's office.
Criminal case records filed in court are available through the UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us at no cost. Both Magisterial District Court records and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas dockets are searchable online by name or docket number. This tool gives you access to publicly filed documents without visiting the courthouse or submitting a formal records request. Certified copies of court documents must be obtained from the Philadelphia Clerk of Courts.
PATCH Criminal History Checks in Philadelphia County
The Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system is operated by the Pennsylvania State Police and returns statewide conviction data for a fee of $22 per search. Submit PATCH requests at pa.gov/agencies/psp/programs/records-request/overview-of-patch. PATCH covers all arrests and convictions across Pennsylvania, including all Philadelphia County records maintained in the state system.
Under 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183, the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) governs who can access criminal history data and under what conditions. Some types of users, including employers and licensing boards, have access to additional data not available to the general public through PATCH. Individuals can use PATCH to check their own criminal history and confirm what information is currently on file with the state.
Keep in mind that PATCH does not include federal records, out-of-state convictions, or arrests that did not lead to a conviction in Pennsylvania. For a more complete picture of someone's criminal background, additional requests to federal agencies or records from other states may be necessary. PATCH results are typically returned quickly for online submissions, making it one of the fastest options for a Pennsylvania-wide criminal history check.
Philadelphia County Right-to-Know Law
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) governs public records requests across all agencies operating in Philadelphia County. This includes the Philadelphia Police Department, the Department of Records, the Sheriff's Office, and other city-county agencies. Agencies must respond within five business days of receiving a written request. The response may grant access, deny access, or request a 30-day extension with a written explanation of the reason for the delay.
Copy fees are capped at $0.25 per page for standard paper copies. Fees may vary for electronic copies, large documents, or records that require specialized retrieval. Denied requests can be appealed to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov, by phone at 717-346-9903, or by mail at 333 Market Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA.
Certain records are exempt from disclosure under the RTKL. These include active investigation files, juvenile records, information that could compromise an ongoing criminal case, and records protected by other state or federal statutes. If an agency denies your request, the written denial must identify which exemption applies. Understanding the exemptions before you submit can help you frame a request that is more likely to receive a complete and prompt response.
Philadelphia County's official web portal at phila.gov provides access to city and county services including police records and public safety information.
The city website links to department-specific pages, online portals, and contact information for records requests. Use the site's search function to find the right department if you are unsure where to start.
Sex Offender Registry for Philadelphia County
The Pennsylvania Megan's Law registry is maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and is publicly searchable online. You can search for registered sex offenders in Philadelphia County by name or by address at pameganslaw.state.pa.us. The registry lists offender names, addresses, photographs, and offense details where available under state law.
Philadelphia County has a significant registered offender population given its large size and urban density. Offenders register at their local PSP barracks or through the Philadelphia Police Department's designated registration office. Tier classification under state law determines how long an offender must remain registered and what level of community notification is required. Tier I offenders register for 15 years, Tier II for 25 years, and Tier III for life.
Residents can use the Megan's Law website to set up community notifications for specific addresses. This tool alerts subscribers when a registered offender moves into or out of a designated area, providing an added layer of awareness for neighbors and parents who want to stay informed about local registrations.
Online Police Reporting in Philadelphia County
Philadelphia residents can file certain non-emergency police reports online through the Philadelphia Police online reporting system at prod.phillypolice.com. This system accepts select incident types around the clock and is designed for incidents that have already occurred, not crimes in progress. The online system requires a valid email address so the department can send you a copy of your completed report.
Do not use the online reporting system for emergencies or for incidents that are currently in progress. Call 911 for all emergencies. For non-emergency situations that require a phone response rather than an online report, call (215) 686-8686. Officers can be dispatched for situations that do not qualify for online reporting but still need a physical response from a patrol officer.
Vehicle crash reports and fire reports are available online through public-safety-reports.phila.gov. Using a secure city account, you can request copies of crash and fire reports without visiting the Department of Records in person. This online option is faster than submitting a mail request and allows you to track the status of your report order throughout the process.
Nearby Counties
Philadelphia County borders several counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. If the records you need involve activity near county lines, check these neighboring counties as well.