Philadelphia Police 16th District – Philadelphia, PA

District Overview

The Philadelphia Police 16th District acts as the primary law enforcement hub for a diverse section of West Philadelphia. Headquarters are located at 3900 Lancaster Avenue, situated in the Powelton Village neighborhood. This district patrols a vibrant mix of residential communities and institutional zones, covering areas such as Mantua, Mill Creek, Belmont, and parts of University City. Given its proximity to major institutions like Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, the 16th District officers frequently coordinate with university police forces to ensure safety for students and long-time residents alike. The station operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, serving as a sanctuary and resource for public safety, crime reporting, and community engagement.

Services and Community Relations

Residents visit the 16th District headquarters primarily to file police reports for crimes, accidents, or lost property. The front desk is staffed around the clock to assist walk-in complainants. Beyond emergency response, the district places a strong emphasis on community policing. The Police District Advisory Council (PDAC) meets regularly here or at nearby community centers to discuss neighborhood concerns, crime trends, and quality-of-life issues. A dedicated Community Relations Officer (CRO) is available to help organize block watches, attend civic association meetings, and mediate local disputes. While you can report crimes here, please note that obtaining official copies of crash reports usually requires contacting the Department of Records at City Hall, not the local district.

Security and Visiting Policies

As an active police station, security is strictly enforced for the safety of officers and the public. Visitors entering the building to make a report or speak with an officer may be subject to security screening. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the facility, even for permit holders, unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel. Valid government-issued photo identification is generally required to process official reports. The environment is functional and busy; visitors should be prepared to wait if officers are handling active emergencies. Photography and video recording inside the secure areas of the station are prohibited to protect the privacy of victims and witnesses.

Location and Transit

The station is located on the busy corridor of Lancaster Avenue, making it highly accessible via public transportation. The Route 10 Trolley runs directly along Lancaster Avenue, with stops just steps from the station entrance. Additionally, the Route 43 Bus (running east-west on Spring Garden/Lancaster) and the Route 40 Bus (nearby on 40th Street) provide convenient connections. For those driving, metered and free street parking is available on Lancaster Avenue and the surrounding residential side streets, though the area can be congested due to university traffic. There is no dedicated public parking lot for the station; visitors must park on the street.

• Open 24/7: The operations room never closes.
• Emergency: Dial 911 for immediate life-threatening issues.
• Reports: Walk-ins welcome for filing non-emergency reports.
• Community: Ask for the Community Relations Officer for local events.