Philadelphia Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Citizens Police Oversight Commission — the civilian oversight body for Philadelphia. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Citizens Police Oversight CommissionHow easy is it to share feedback with Philadelphia?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 05/16/2026.
Philadelphia Police Department (PA)
How to file a complaint about a Philadelphia Police Department officer
The Philadelphia Police Department serves roughly 1,550,843 residents. If you had a problem with an officer, you have three distinct ways to file a complaint — and they are not equivalent. Here is how each one works in Philadelphia, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Citizens Police Oversight Commission — independent civilian oversight
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Philadelphia Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. It accepts anonymous complaints, so you can file without giving your name. No notarization is required to file.
- File online with the Citizens Police Oversight Commission
- How the Citizens Police Oversight Commission complaint process works
- By phone: (215) 685-0891
- In person or by mail: 1515 Arch Street, 11th floor, Philadelphia PA 19102
- Citizens Police Oversight Commission website
2. Philadelphia Police Department Philadelphia Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Philadelphia Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. The office investigates anonymous complaints.
- Phone: (215) 685-5056
- In person or by mail: 7790 Dungan Rd, Philadelphia PA 19111
- Department page on the complaint process
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Philadelphia Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: 215-686-3280
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 05/16/2026. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.