Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Division – Philadelphia, PA

Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division Overview

The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Division operates primarily out of the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice (CJC). While the Sheriff’s Office is a distinct entity from the Police Department, its deputies play a critical role in the judicial process ⚖️. They are responsible for the safety and security of all courtrooms, judges, juries, and the public within the building. Additionally, the division manages the secure transportation of inmates between correctional facilities and the courthouse for hearings and trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Courtroom Security: Deputies maintain order and decorum in criminal courtrooms, protecting the judiciary and the public from potential threats.
• Prisoner Transport: Ensures the safe custody and transfer of defendants from prisons to the CJC holding cells 🚐.
• Fugitive Warrant Unit: Aggressively pursues individuals with active bench warrants for failure to appear in court or for probation violations.
• Protection Orders: Services Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders to ensure the safety of victims.

Security and Visitor Policies

Access to the Criminal Justice Center is tightly controlled. All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening, including metal detectors. 📵 Strict Device Policy: Cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronics are generally prohibited for the public and must be stored in lockers or left at home. Valid photo ID is required for entry. Visitors should dress appropriately for a court environment.

Location and Contact

The Criminal Division is based at 1301 Filbert Street, directly across from City Hall. While the main Sheriff’s administrative office is on Broad Street, this location serves the daily operational needs of the criminal courts.