> >Philadelphia Arrest Records

Philadelphia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible for public inspection and duplication unless specifically exempted by statute, regulation, or judicial order. The Philadelphia Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within city limits.

Members of the public may access arrest records for various legitimate purposes, including:

Background verification for employment or housing
Personal safety awareness regarding neighborhood criminal activity
Research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
Journalistic reporting on law enforcement operations
Legal proceedings and investigations

The Philadelphia Department of Records serves as the central repository for many public records, including certain arrest documentation. This transparency in record-keeping promotes accountability in the criminal justice system while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by state and federal regulations.

How to Look Up Philadelphia Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Philadelphia provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. As of 2025, the following methods are available for accessing these documents:

Online Request Portal: The Philadelphia Police Department maintains a digital request system through which individuals may submit applications for arrest records. Requestors must provide the name of the arrested individual, date of arrest (if known), and other identifying information. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may obtain arrest records by visiting the Records Department at:

Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 686-3900
Public Safety Report Requests
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the above address. All mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, the required fee payment, and a completed Record Request Form.
Court System Access: Arrest records associated with court proceedings may be accessed through the Philadelphia Courts system, which maintains electronic dockets for criminal cases.

Pursuant to the Philadelphia Open Records Policy, fees apply for record reproduction. Standard fees include $25 for a certified copy of an arrest record and $15 for a non-certified copy. Additional charges may apply for extensive research or voluminous document reproduction.

Contents of a Philadelphia Arrest Record

Philadelphia arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Pennsylvania Code Title 37, Chapter 51. 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 race
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable Pennsylvania statutes
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including fingerprint classification and photograph
Preliminary hearing date and location
Bail determination and conditions, if applicable
Case disposition information, if available

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains custody records that may supplement arrest documentation for individuals who were detained following arrest. These records include intake and release dates, facility assignment, and classification information.

It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers
Home addresses of law enforcement personnel
Information pertaining to confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (subject to special protections under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308)

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Philadelphia is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted. Under 65 P.S. § 67.708, certain exemptions may apply to portions of arrest records, particularly those containing information that might:

Compromise an active investigation
Reveal the identity of a confidential source
Endanger an individual's safety
Violate legally protected privacy interests

The City of Philadelphia Open Records Policy implements these state requirements while establishing local procedures for record requests. This policy designates Open Records Officers within each city department who are responsible for processing record requests in accordance with statutory timelines.

Federal regulations, including the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a), may impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of arrest information, particularly when such records are maintained in federal databases. The Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) further regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information within Pennsylvania.

Law enforcement agencies in Philadelphia must comply with these overlapping regulatory frameworks when determining which portions of arrest records may be released to the public.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Philadelphia

Under Pennsylvania law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Philadelphia authorities. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Cases where charges were withdrawn or dismissed
Summary offenses after five years of arrest-free behavior
Successful completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for ten years
Deceased individuals (upon petition by a qualifying representative)

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

Complete identification information
Date of arrest and charges
Disposition of all charges
Reason for expungement request
Verification that all fines and costs have been paid

First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 683-7000
Philadelphia Courts

Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing at which the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement request. If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. The Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation must comply with this order within 30 days.

It should be noted that certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement under Pennsylvania law.

Using Philadelphia Arrest Data for Crime Analysis

The City of Philadelphia maintains comprehensive arrest statistics that are utilized for crime analysis, policy development, and resource allocation. These aggregated data sets, with personally identifying information removed, provide valuable insights into crime patterns and law enforcement activities throughout the city.

The Philadelphia Crime Incidents database contains information on reported crimes dating back to 2006, including associated arrests. This resource enables:

Temporal analysis of crime patterns by time of day, day of week, and seasonal variations
Geographic mapping of criminal activity by neighborhood and police district
Demographic analysis of arrest patterns
Evaluation of law enforcement response effectiveness
Assessment of criminal justice system outcomes

Academic researchers, policy analysts, and community organizations frequently utilize these data resources to inform evidence-based approaches to public safety. The Philadelphia Police Department's Research and Planning Unit collaborates with academic institutions to analyze arrest data and develop strategic responses to emerging crime trends.

Municipal agencies, including the District Attorney's Office and the Department of Public Health, incorporate arrest data into their program planning and evaluation activities. This information helps identify areas requiring additional resources or alternative intervention approaches.