How do I report a use-of-force incident?

File a civilian complaint with the City online or by paper, contact the Police Department’s internal affairs, and preserve evidence and witness information.

Can officers be fined for use-of-force violations?

Discipline is usually non-monetary (suspension, dismissal, etc.); specific fine amounts for officers are not specified on the cited page.

How long does an appeal take?

Appeal timelines vary by the disciplinary process; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page and differ between internal and civil procedures.

Philadelphia Police Use-of-Force Rules

Public Safety Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, police use-of-force rules govern when officers may apply physical force, restraints, or weapons during law enforcement activities. This guide summarizes who enforces the rules, how civilians can report or appeal incidents, and what to expect from internal discipline and public oversight. It draws on official Philadelphia police policies and city complaint processes and explains common practical steps for local residents to preserve evidence, file complaints, and seek review.

Penalties & Enforcement

Use-of-force outcomes in Philadelphia are handled through internal disciplinary systems, civilian complaint reviews, and, where applicable, criminal prosecutions. Official departmental general orders set standards for permissible force and reporting; specific fines or statutory monetary penalties for officers are not typically listed in departmental policy and are therefore not specified on the cited page. Civil claims or criminal charges may arise under state law, handled separately from internal discipline.

Enforcer: Philadelphia Police Department (internal affairs and the Police Commissioner), with civilian oversight from the Office of Inspector General and related city review boards.
Non-monetary sanctions: counseling, reprimand, suspension, demotion, termination, or referral for criminal prosecution; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Appeals and review: disciplinary decisions may be reviewed through departmental appeal channels, Police Board procedures, or civil litigation; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Reporting deadlines: internal reporting and evidence preservation are time-sensitive; the departmental policy requires prompt reporting but specific statutory deadlines for civilian claims are not specified on the cited page.
Monetary penalties for civilians: not applicable to enforcement of officer discipline; civil damages amounts depend on separate court proceedings and are not specified on the cited page.

File complaints promptly and preserve any photos, video, or witness names as evidence.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a civilian complaint form and instructions for reporting police misconduct; if no special application is required for a specific remedy, the cited pages note standard complaint submission avenues. For departmental policy texts and the official use-of-force general order, see the police general orders and complaint pages linked below.

How enforcement works in practice

When a use-of-force incident occurs, officers must complete internal reports and supervisors review the incident. Civilian complaints can trigger independent review by oversight offices. Criminal investigations proceed if evidence suggests a violation of state law. The City’s official policy documents describe required reporting, supervisory review, and investigative steps but do not list fixed fines or statutory penalty tables for internal discipline; those specifics are not specified on the cited page.^[1] For instructions on filing a civilian complaint, see the City complaint page.^[2]

Report method: submit an online or paper civilian complaint to the City or contact the Police Department’s internal affairs unit.
Complaint intake: the Office of Inspector General and other oversight bodies provide intake and referral functions for complaints.
Investigation: expect an internal investigation and possible independent oversight review; criminal referrals occur when warranted.

Official departmental policy documents explain reporting and supervisory review requirements but do not itemize monetary fines for officer discipline.

FAQ

How do I report a use-of-force incident?: File a civilian complaint with the City online or by paper, contact the Police Department’s internal affairs, and preserve evidence and witness information.
Can officers be fined for use-of-force violations?: Discipline is usually non-monetary (suspension, dismissal, etc.); specific fine amounts for officers are not specified on the cited page.
How long does an appeal take?: Appeal timelines vary by the disciplinary process; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page and differ between internal and civil procedures.

How-To

Preserve evidence: keep photos, videos, medical records, and contact information for witnesses.
Submit a complaint: use the City’s civilian complaint form or contact internal affairs to file a report.
Request review: follow departmental appeal steps or seek review by oversight bodies; consider legal counsel for civil claims.
Track outcomes: request status updates from the investigating unit and obtain copies of completed reports when available.

Key Takeaways

Philadelphia relies on departmental general orders and civilian oversight for use-of-force accountability.
Most officer sanctions are disciplinary rather than monetary; specific fines are not listed on policy pages.
Report incidents promptly, preserve evidence, and use official complaint channels to trigger review.