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Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute, regulation, or court order. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information concerning law enforcement activities within their communities.

Members of the public may access these records through various official channels established by Philadelphia County authorities. The accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests, including community awareness, public safety monitoring, and governmental accountability. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Pennsylvania law, particularly information pertaining to juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, and confidential informants.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Philadelphia County?

Philadelphia County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses Philadelphia County's court system, provides digital access to court dockets and case information through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal. This system allows for remote access to public criminal case information, including arrest data, pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Police Department maintains certain arrest information through its official channels, and the Philadelphia Department of Records oversees the management and accessibility of various public records. Additionally, the Philadelphia Prison System provides an online incarcerated person locator service that contains information about individuals currently in custody.

Online access to these records is subject to the limitations and protections established under Pennsylvania law, including the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), which governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.

How to Look Up Philadelphia County Arrest Records in 2025

Philadelphia County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Fees may apply for certain record requests in accordance with established fee schedules.

Contents of a Philadelphia County Arrest Record

Philadelphia County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Pennsylvania law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including Pennsylvania Criminal Code citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency (Philadelphia Police Department, Sheriff's Office, etc.)
  • Booking information, including processing location and unique booking identification number
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing
  • Preliminary arraignment details, including bail determination
  • Case docket number assigned by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
  • Detention status information, if applicable

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Pursuant to the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Philadelphia County

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Philadelphia County. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records and related criminal history information are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. This process is governed by Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122) and related statutes.

Individuals may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

  • Cases resulting in non-conviction dispositions, including acquittals, withdrawals, or dismissals
  • Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions after specific waiting periods pursuant to the Clean Slate Act (Act 56 of 2018)
  • Arrests without convictions after three years from the date of arrest
  • Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programs
  • Juvenile records under specific conditions outlined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9123
  • Pardoned offenses as granted by the Governor of Pennsylvania

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County:

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Criminal Justice Center 1301 Filbert Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 683-7000 The Philadelphia Courts

Petitioners must comply with procedural requirements, including providing fingerprints, criminal history verification, and proper notice to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney may contest expungement petitions, necessitating judicial hearings to determine eligibility. Upon approval, court orders direct all relevant agencies to expunge the specified records from their systems.

Philadelphia County also offers periodic expungement clinics through the Philadelphia Bar Association and community legal service organizations to assist eligible individuals with navigating this complex legal process.

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