Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

The Commonwealth’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, located in the Strawberry Square complex in downtown Harrisburg, serves as the independent Department of Justice for the Commonwealth. Led by the elected Attorney General, this office functions as the "People’s Lawyer," representing the interests of the state and its citizens in a wide variety of legal matters. The office is constitutionally established to prosecute organized crime and public corruption, defending the constitutionality of state statutes, and providing legal counsel to Commonwealth agencies. It is distinct from the Governor’s Office of General Counsel, focusing on criminal prosecution, consumer protection, and independent legal action.

Criminal Law and Public Safety

A primary mission of the Attorney General is the investigation and prosecution of sophisticated criminal enterprises that transcend county lines. Specialized units within the Criminal Law Division focus on drug trafficking, child predation, insurance fraud, and environmental crimes. The office operates the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, which works closely with local, state, and federal partners to combat the opioid epidemic and dismantle illegal drug networks. The office also houses the Gun Violence Task Force and handles appellate litigation for criminal cases across the state.

Public Protection and Consumer Rights

The Public Protection Division is a critical resource for Pennsylvania residents, handling thousands of consumer complaints annually. The Bureau of Consumer Protection mediates disputes between buyers and sellers, investigates unfair business practices, and takes legal action against scammers and telemarketers. This division also includes the Health Care Section, which advocates for patients’ rights, and the Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section, which ensures that charitable assets are used properly. Residents can file complaints directly through the Attorney General’s online portal or by contacting the dedicated hotlines.

Location and Access

The Harrisburg headquarters is situated on the 16th floor of Strawberry Square, a major mixed-use complex adjacent to the Capitol. Visitors attending meetings or delivering legal documents must pass through building security and check in at the reception desk. While the office handles significant legal coursework, it does not provide private legal representation to individual citizens in personal criminal or civil cases. Instead, it serves the collective public interest and enforces the laws of the Commonwealth.