Philadelphia City Law: How to Report a Hate Crime

Civil Rights and Equity Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania residents who experience or witness a hate crime can report incidents to law enforcement and civil enforcement agencies. This guide explains immediate actions, how to contact the Philadelphia Police Department, how to file a civil complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, and where criminal prosecution is handled. It covers evidence preservation, common reporting channels, and practical steps for victims and witnesses so reports are effective and handled by the right office. If you are in immediate danger call 911; otherwise follow the steps below to preserve evidence and file both criminal and civil complaints.

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else is in danger.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate crimes in Philadelphia are investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by the Philadelphia District Attorney; civil complaints about bias, harassment, or discrimination can be filed with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. Criminal penalties and sentence enhancements are determined under Pennsylvania criminal law and by the District Attorney during prosecution; specific fine amounts and statutory enhancement figures are not specified on the cited municipal pages below. Philadelphia Police Department[1] Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations[2] Philadelphia District Attorney[3]

Criminal penalties and fines are set by state statute and applied in prosecution; municipal pages do not list amounts.
  • Enforcers: Philadelphia Police Department investigates; the Philadelphia District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases.
  • Civil enforcement: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations handles discrimination and bias-related civil complaints.
  • Court actions: Criminal charges are filed in criminal court by the District Attorney; civil orders or remedies may be pursued through PCHR processes.
  • Fines and restitution: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: prosecutorial discretion applies for first, repeat, or continuing offences; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited municipal pages.

Applications & Forms

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations provides intake information for civil complaints; a written complaint form or intake steps are available through PCHR's office. The cited PCHR page lists contact and complaint filing instructions but does not display a numbered form identifier on the municipal page.

How to Report

Follow these practical steps to report a hate crime in Philadelphia. Preserve evidence, document what happened, and contact appropriate offices so both criminal and civil remedies are available.

  1. If there is an immediate threat, call 911 and seek safety.
  2. Contact the Philadelphia Police Department to file a police report; provide dates, locations, witness names, and suspect descriptions. Philadelphia Police Department[1]
  3. Preserve evidence: save photos, texts, social media posts, clothing, and witness contact information.
  4. File a civil complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations for bias-based harassment or discrimination; PCHR intake guides are on the commission's page. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations[2]
  5. Contact the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office victim/witness unit if you expect prosecution or need support during the court process. Philadelphia District Attorney[3]
  6. Consider victim services and community organizations for immediate emotional support and referrals.
Keeping a clear, dated record of events and evidence greatly assists police and prosecutors.

Common Violations

  • Physical assault motivated by bias — criminal charges and prosecution.
  • Verbal threats and harassment targeting a protected characteristic — may lead to criminal or civil action.
  • Property damage with bias motivation — crimes plus possible restitution orders.

FAQ

What counts as a hate crime in Philadelphia?
A hate crime is a criminal act motivated in whole or in part by bias against a protected characteristic; criminal definitions and penalties follow state law while the police investigate the incident.
Should I report to police, PCHR, or both?
Report to police for criminal acts and consider filing a civil complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations for bias harassment or discrimination; both routes can be pursued.
Will my identity be kept confidential?
Police and PCHR have privacy practices, but specific confidentiality protections depend on the stage of investigation and applicable laws; ask the receiving office about confidentiality when you report.

How-To

  1. Ensure immediate safety and call 911 if there is an ongoing threat.
  2. Document the incident: date, time, location, witnesses, and preserve evidence such as photos and messages.
  3. File a police report with the Philadelphia Police Department and obtain a report number.
  4. File a civil complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations if the incident involves harassment or discrimination.
  5. Contact the District Attorney's Office victim/witness unit for prosecution status and support.

Key Takeaways

  • Report criminal conduct to police immediately; call 911 for emergencies.
  • Consider a parallel civil complaint with PCHR for bias-based harassment or discrimination.
  • Preserve evidence and get a police report number to support prosecution and civil claims.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia - Philadelphia Police Department
  2. [2] City of Philadelphia - Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
  3. [3] City of Philadelphia - Philadelphia District Attorney

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