Philadelphia Busted Mugshots and Arrest Records
Philadelphia busted mugshots come from the largest city in Pennsylvania. More than 1.5 million people live here. The Philadelphia Police Department handles arrests across the city. Because Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, one police force covers the entire area. Arrest records, booking photos, and criminal case files are held by several city agencies. The PPD Records and ID Unit, the Department of Prisons, and the Municipal Court each play a role. This guide shows how to find busted mugshots and related records in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Quick Facts
Philadelphia Police Arrest Records
The Philadelphia Police Department keeps arrest records at the Records and ID Unit. The Open Records Officer is Lt. Barry Jacobs. His office is at the Public Police Safety Building, 400 N. Broad Street, 4W-72, Philadelphia, PA 19130. You can call 215-686-3277 or email police.righttoknow@phila.gov to start a request.
All police reports cost $15 per copy. You can pick them up at the Public Safety Records office at City Hall, Room 170. That office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit.
Philadelphia busted mugshots from police arrests are part of the booking record. Under the Right-to-Know Law (65 Pa. Statute Section 67.101 et seq.), certain criminal records are public. However, mugshot release depends on the nature of the case. The PPD processes requests through its Open Records Policy page.
You can also submit formal records request forms. The city provides printable forms on its Public Safety Report Request Forms page. Fill out the form and mail it or bring it in person to City Hall Room 170.
Note: Body-worn camera footage requires a separate request under Act 22. You must submit this request within 60 days of the incident.
Philadelphia Busted Mugshots Inmate Locator
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons runs an online Incarcerated Person Locator. You can search by PID number or by name and date of birth. This tool shows current inmates in the city prison system. It does not show people who have been released.
Philadelphia operates several jail facilities. These include the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF), the Philadelphia Detention Center (PDC), the Detention Center (DC), the Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF), and the Alternative and Special Detention facility (ASD). Each holds people at different stages of the process.
For mugshot requests from the prison system, contact:
- PDC at 8201 State Road, Philadelphia
- Media Relations at 215-685-8436
- Classification Division at 215-685-8394, 215-685-8395, or 215-685-8396 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Spanish language line at 215-685-8692
- Outreach at 215-685-7288 or 215-685-7711
The Department of Prisons website has more details on visitation and inmate services. Booking photos taken at intake are kept in the prison records system.
Philadelphia Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Philadelphia go through the Municipal Court at 1301 Filbert Street. The Criminal Division handles misdemeanor and felony preliminary hearings. The Traffic Division covers all traffic offenses. Cases that move past the preliminary stage go to the Court of Common Pleas.
You can search court records online through the UJS Portal. This statewide system covers all Philadelphia courts. Search by name or case number. The portal shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. It is free to use.
The Philadelphia Municipal Court website lists schedules, forms, and contact information. Court records tie back to arrest records and busted mugshots in Philadelphia. A case number from the court system can help you find the matching police report.
Note: The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office handles prosecution of criminal cases. Charging documents are part of the public court file once a case is filed.
How to Find Busted Mugshots in Philadelphia
There are several ways to find busted mugshots and arrest records in Philadelphia. Each method gives you access to different types of information. The best approach depends on what you already know about the person or case.
Start with the UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us for court case details. Use the Incarcerated Person Locator for current inmates. For police reports, contact the Records and ID Unit at 215-686-3277. For crash reports, visit the PPD website or use the online portal at crashreports.phila.gov.
You can also run a background check through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system. PATCH is available at epatch.pa.gov. This state-run system searches criminal records under the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. Section 9101 et seq.). It covers all counties, not just Philadelphia.
For people serving state sentences, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has an inmate locator at pa.gov. This covers state prisons, not the city jail system. Philadelphia busted mugshots from state cases may be available through that system.
Philadelphia Arrest Record Access Rights
Pennsylvania law sets rules for who can access arrest records and busted mugshots. The Right-to-Know Law (65 Pa. Statute Section 67.101 et seq.) gives the public broad access to government records. Criminal records have extra rules under CHRIA (18 Pa.C.S. Section 9101 et seq.).
Under CHRIA, arrest records are public when they lead to a conviction. Records of cases that end in acquittal or dismissal may be sealed or expunged. Philadelphia follows these state rules. The PPD and courts process all requests based on the same standards.
The Philadelphia Police Department also offers Police Record Checks. These are background checks for personal use. You can also request a Letter of Good Conduct from the PPD. Both services require a trip to the Records and ID Unit or a mail-in request. Fees apply to each service.
The City of Philadelphia Department of Records is at City Hall, Room 170. Their phone number is 215-686-2268. This office handles a wide range of city records beyond just police files. They can direct you to the right place for the type of record you need.
Note: The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov handles appeals if a records request is denied. You have 15 business days to appeal after a denial.
Philadelphia County Busted Mugshots
Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county. All arrests in the city are part of Philadelphia County records. The county court system, jail, and police all serve the same area. For more details on countywide records, fees, and additional resources, visit the Philadelphia County busted mugshots page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Residents of nearby cities have their own police departments and courts. Pick a city below to find busted mugshots and arrest records in that area.