Philadelphia County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Philadelphia County
Arrest records in Philadelphia County are considered public information pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183). Members of the public may access these records through various official channels maintained by law enforcement and judicial agencies.
The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas maintains public records of arrests that result in formal charges. These records become available through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's public access portal once a case has been docketed. However, certain limitations apply to the public accessibility of arrest records:
- Records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances as provided by Pennsylvania law
- Juvenile arrest records are generally not publicly accessible unless the juvenile was charged as an adult
- Records related to ongoing investigations may have restricted access
- Certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains records of individuals currently incarcerated within the city's correctional facilities. Basic information about incarcerated individuals is available through the Philadelphia Incarcerated Person Locator.
Philadelphia Department of Prisons 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 (215) 685-8300 Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Public access hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
What's in Philadelphia County Arrest Records
Philadelphia County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals by law enforcement agencies. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 513 and include several key components that serve both administrative and investigative purposes.
Typical information contained in Philadelphia County arrest records includes:
- Biographical data of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Criminal charges filed, including Pennsylvania statute citations
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs
- Preliminary arraignment details
- Bail determination and status
- Case docket number (once assigned by the court)
- Warrant information, if applicable
The Philadelphia Police Department maintains the initial arrest records, while subsequent court proceedings are documented by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses the Philadelphia County court system.
Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit 750 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 686-3047
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
It should be noted that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, arrest records may not include certain protected information such as medical data, victim identifiers, or information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Philadelphia County in 2025
Philadelphia County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The process varies depending on the type of information sought and the stage of the criminal justice process.
For recent arrests and current inmate status, the following resources are available:
- The Philadelphia Incarcerated Person Locator provides real-time information about individuals currently held in Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities
- The UJS Portal Case Search allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or other identifiers
For historical arrest records or certified copies, individuals may:
- Submit a written request to the Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
- Complete form PDP-169 (Request for Police Report)
- Provide proper identification and any applicable fees
- Allow 30 days for processing as required by departmental policy
Office of Judicial Records - Criminal Division Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice 1301 Filbert Street, Room 310 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 683-7700
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For comprehensive criminal history information, Pennsylvania residents may utilize the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (ePATCH) system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. This system provides official criminal history record checks for a fee of $22 per request as established by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9152.
How To Find Philadelphia County Arrest Records Online
Digital access to Philadelphia County arrest records has been expanded in recent years to improve public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania's public records laws. Several official online resources are available for conducting arrest record searches.
The primary online resources for Philadelphia County arrest records include:
- The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's public portal provides access to court docket sheets and case information
- The UJS Portal Case Search allows specific searches of Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court cases
- The Philadelphia Incarcerated Person Locator provides current detention status information
When using these online systems, users should note the following:
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
- Some detailed case information may only be available by visiting the courthouse in person
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in online searches
- Case information is typically updated within 24-48 hours of court proceedings
For state-level incarceration records, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional institutions or under state parole supervision.
Can You Search Philadelphia County Arrest Records for Free?
Philadelphia County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with Pennsylvania's public access policies. These free resources are designed to balance public transparency with administrative efficiency.
Free arrest record search options include:
- The UJS Portal Case Search provides free access to docket sheets and basic case information for Philadelphia County courts
- The Philadelphia Incarcerated Person Locator offers free searches for current inmates in Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities
- Public access terminals at the Criminal Justice Center provide free on-site searches of court records
Criminal Justice Center 1301 Filbert Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 683-7000
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of court records ($10.00 per document as established by the First Judicial District fee schedule)
- Complete criminal history reports through Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (ePATCH) ($22.00 per request)
- Expedited record retrieval services
- Records requiring extensive research or archival retrieval
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the First Judicial District must provide public access to court records during established business hours at no charge for on-site inspection.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Philadelphia County
Under Pennsylvania law, certain arrest records may be eligible for limited access, sealing, or expungement through established legal procedures. The availability of these remedies depends on specific statutory criteria and judicial approval.
The primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access in Philadelphia County include:
-
Expungement - Complete removal of records pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122
- Available for non-conviction outcomes (dismissals, withdrawals, not guilty verdicts)
- Available for summary offenses after 5 years without arrest
- Available for certain minor offenses under Clean Slate legislation
-
Record Sealing - Limiting public access pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1
- Available for certain misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without arrest
- Requires completion of all court-ordered requirements
- Records remain available to law enforcement agencies
-
Limited Access Orders - Restricting access pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.2
- Available for certain second and third-degree misdemeanors
- Requires completion of all court-ordered requirements
To initiate these processes, individuals must:
- File a petition with the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
- Pay applicable filing fees (currently $147.25 for expungement petitions)
- Attend scheduled court hearings as required
- Provide required documentation of eligibility
Philadelphia Lawyer Referral and Information Service 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 238-6333
What Happens After Arrest in Philadelphia County?
Following an arrest in Philadelphia County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and local court rules. This process includes several key stages with established timeframes.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
-
Booking Process
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of biographical information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
-
Preliminary Arraignment
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest per Pa.R.Crim.P. 516
- Formal reading of charges
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel if defendant qualifies
- Scheduling of preliminary hearing
-
Preliminary Hearing
- Typically scheduled within 14 days of preliminary arraignment
- Prosecution must establish prima facie case
- Cases may be dismissed or held for Court of Common Pleas
-
Formal Arraignment
- Occurs approximately 30-60 days after preliminary hearing
- Formal reading of charges at Court of Common Pleas level
- Entry of plea (guilty or not guilty)
- Scheduling of pre-trial conference
The Philadelphia Sheriff's Office is responsible for courthouse security and prisoner transport during this process.
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office 100 S. Broad Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19110 (215) 686-3530
Individuals seeking information about a specific case should reference the docket number when contacting court offices or using online resources.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Philadelphia County?
Philadelphia County maintains arrest records according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policies. These schedules vary based on the type of record and case outcome.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Philadelphia County are:
- Active Criminal Cases: Maintained indefinitely while cases remain open
- Conviction Records: Maintained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Non-Conviction Records: Eligible for expungement under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122
- Summary Offense Convictions: Eligible for expungement after 5 years without arrest
- Juvenile Records: Special rules apply under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9123
Historical arrest records dating back to the 19th century may be maintained by the City Archives, which preserves records of historical and archival value.
Philadelphia City Archives 548 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 685-9401
Public research hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pursuant to the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183), law enforcement agencies must maintain the accuracy and completeness of criminal history record information. This includes updating records to reflect final dispositions of all arrests.
How to Find Mugshots in Philadelphia County
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process in Philadelphia County are considered law enforcement records subject to specific access restrictions. Unlike some jurisdictions, Philadelphia County does not maintain a public database of mugshot images.
Access to mugshot photographs is governed by the following policies:
- Mugshots are not routinely published on government websites
- Mugshots may be included in criminal history reports obtained through official channels
- Media organizations may obtain mugshots through formal requests in high-profile cases
- Individuals may request their own mugshot through the Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
To request a copy of a mugshot, individuals must:
- Submit a written request to the Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
- Provide proper identification and case information
- Pay applicable fees ($25 per photograph)
- Allow 30 days for processing
Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit 750 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 686-3047
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
It should be noted that pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act, the dissemination of mugshots is restricted to authorized purposes. Commercial websites that collect and publish mugshots may not maintain accurate or up-to-date information regarding case dispositions.
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