How to file a police report in Philadelphia, PA
Two separate things get confused here: filing a new report about something that happened, and obtaining a copy of a report that already exists. Both routes for Philadelphia Police Department are below, together with the number to call if neither applies.
Source: phila.gov · checked October 26, 2026. This city routes non-emergency police calls through its 311 service line. 311 only works from inside the city — from outside, use the department's main line on the official page linked above.
Official forms
Which route to use
What to have ready
- Date, time, and exact address or cross-streets.
- What was taken or damaged, with serial numbers, makes, and models where you have them, and an estimated value.
- Photographs of damage or of the scene.
- Any suspect or vehicle description, and whether a camera might have caught it.
- Your own contact details, and your insurance claim number if there is one.
Filing a knowingly false report is a criminal offence in every state.
Questions
Can I file a Philadelphia police report online?
Yes — Philadelphia Police Department runs an online reporting system, linked above. Online systems normally accept only incidents with no suspect information and no injuries: theft from a vehicle, lost property, vandalism, minor fraud. Anything involving a known suspect, a weapon, or a victim who was hurt has to go through the non-emergency line or in person.
How do I get a copy of a Philadelphia police or crash report?
Through the records division, linked above. You will usually need the case number, the date, and the names involved, plus a fee and photo ID. Crash reports are often held for several days before release while they are reviewed.
How long does it take?
An online report is typically acknowledged by email within a day or two with a case number; some departments review and reject submissions that should have been phoned in. Report copies commonly take three to ten business days. Crash reports are frequently withheld until the investigating officer has signed off.
Do I need a report number for insurance?
Almost always, yes — for theft, vandalism, and collisions. Ask for it on the call, and write down the officer's name and badge number too.