The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has a long and complex history that dates back to colonial times and has evolved significantly over the centuries. Established through various ordinances and reorganizations, it formally became the modern police force in 1854 through the Act of Consolidation, which unified the city and county governments. The department was created to uphold public order, prevent riots, and fight crime but was historically influenced by political patronage and faced challenges including corruption and discrimination.
Over time, the PPD grew from a small night watch and constable system into one of the nation’s largest municipal police forces, serving a diverse and densely populated urban area. Its structure includes multiple police districts aligned with neighborhood boundaries, each with dedicated officers focusing on community safety and crime prevention.
Despite progress toward professionalism, the department has wrestled with significant issues, including racial discrimination, allegations of brutality, and misconduct. High-profile events and investigations prompted reforms aimed at increasing accountability, community engagement, and diversity in the force. These reforms introduced new protocols, strengthened internal affairs oversight, and encouraged more foot patrol and closer neighborhood ties.
Today, the PPD works through 21 police districts across Philadelphia, each responsible for distinct city neighborhoods. These districts enable a localized approach to policing, with community policing initiatives tailored to address the specific concerns of residents. The department continues to adapt to modern law enforcement standards, focusing on building trust and cooperation with the communities it serves.
The district system remains a fundamental organizational element, providing clear points of contact for citizens and ensuring effective coverage of Philadelphia’s varied and vibrant communities.
This historic background and ongoing evolution of the Philadelphia Police Department provide important context for understanding the city’s law enforcement landscape and its critical role in municipal governance and public safety.
Police District Listing
1st Police District
Address: 400 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-686-3091
Area Covered: Center City north of Chestnut Street, Old City, Northern Liberties, Chinatown, and parts of Kensington. It covers bustling commercial areas, nightlife districts, and cultural hubs like the historic district.
3rd Police District
Address: 1626 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: 215-685-1631
Area Covered: South Philadelphia, including Passyunk Square, Point Breeze, Whitman, and Girard Estate neighborhoods. Known for its residential communities and vibrant commercial corridors.
5th Police District
Address: 101 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: 215-685-1591
Area Covered: North Philadelphia neighborhoods including Fairhill, West Kensington, Poplar, and Hartranft. This district encompasses diverse communities with rich cultural heritage.
6th Police District
Address: 1733 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-685-1568
Area Covered: Port Richmond, Kensington, Fishtown, and Olde Richmond areas. It covers several rising neighborhoods known for arts and industrial history.
7th Police District
Address: 920 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-685-1583
Area Covered: The western parts of Center City, including Rittenhouse Square, Chinatown, Logan Square, the Avenue of the Arts, and Washington Square West. This district encompasses some of the city’s most prominent retail and cultural districts.
9th Police District
Address: 3200 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone: 215-686-3090
Area Covered: Germantown, Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, and parts of Roxborough. These are northern neighborhoods known for historic sites and green spaces.
10th Police District
Address: 3848 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-685-1599
Area Covered: University City, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University campuses, and adjacent neighborhoods like Spruce Hill. This district serves a major student and academic population.
12th Police District
Address: 1201 S. 25th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 215-685-1602
Area Covered: Southwest Philadelphia neighborhoods including Point Breeze, Passyunk Square, and parts of Southwark. It incorporates a mix of residential and commercial areas.
14th Police District
Address: 5300 D Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: 215-685-1615
Area Covered: Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods like Kensington, Tacony, and Wissinoming, which include industrial zones and working-class communities.
15th Police District
Address: 11450 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: 215-685-1619
Area Covered: Far Northeast Philadelphia including neighborhoods such as Bustleton, Somerton, and Byberry. This is a suburban area with growing residential development.
16th Police District
Address: 1350 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: 215-685-1533
Area Covered: Near Northeast neighborhoods including Olney, Lawncrest, and Fox Chase, with a diverse population and community focus.
17th Police District
Address: 2120 E. Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: 215-685-1460
Area Covered: Kensington and Port Richmond, areas steeped in industrial history with rich community activism and redevelopment efforts.
18th Police District
Address: 5501 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-685-1623
Area Covered: North Philadelphia neighborhoods such as Hunting Park and Nicetown-Tioga, historically diverse residential enclaves.
19th Police District
Address: 1401 W. Tioga Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-685-1650
Area Covered: West and North Philadelphia including Strawberry Mansion, Fairhill, and parts of Nicetown. Known for historic neighborhoods and active community groups.
21st Police District
Address: 1818 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: 215-685-1655
Area Covered: North Philadelphia neighborhoods including Brewerytown and bordering Fairmount Park. The district blends industrial heritage with the arts community.
22nd Police District
Address: 7500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19151
Phone: 215-685-1658
Area Covered: West Philadelphia and areas near West Oak Lane, encompassing diverse residential and commercial zones.
Additional Important Information
- Each district is overseen by a Police Captain responsible for law enforcement, community policing, and safety within their jurisdictions.
- Philadelphia Police districts are further divided into Police Service Areas (PSAs), focusing on smaller neighborhoods for targeted community engagement.
- For crime reporting, emergencies, and non-emergency inquiries, the main Philadelphia Police Department contact is 215-686-TIPS (8477).
- Most district stations offer community services including crime prevention programs and public safety workshops.
Helpful Online Resources
- Official Philadelphia Police Districts webpage with maps and detailed contact info: Philly Police Districts
- Interactive map showing current district boundaries, stations, and PSA areas: Philadelphia Police Interactive Map
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