Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office Warrant Unit – Philadelphia, PA

Fugitive Apprehension and Warrant Service

The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office Warrant Unit is a specialized division dedicated to the enforcement of court orders and the apprehension of individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. This unit plays a critical role in the city’s criminal justice system by executing bench warrants issued by the courts for failure to appear, as well as warrants for probation violations and other criminal offenses. The deputies assigned to this unit work tirelessly to locate and apprehend fugitives, often coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. In addition to criminal warrants, the unit acts as the enforcement arm for various judicial matters, including the service of Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and other civil process requirements.

Voluntary Surrender and Tips

The Sheriff’s Office encourages individuals with active warrants to resolve their legal status voluntarily. Surrendering safely can prevent the need for a public arrest at a home or workplace. Individuals wishing to turn themselves in or inquire about their warrant status should contact the office immediately. The unit also manages the ”Philly’s Most Wanted” initiative, seeking public assistance in locating high-priority fugitives. Anonymous tips can be submitted to help law enforcement remove dangerous individuals from the community. The office handles a high volume of cases, ranging from summary offenses to serious felonies, maintaining a 24-hour operational tempo for its field units while keeping specific public office hours for administrative inquiries.

Location and Security

While the Sheriff’s Office has headquarters at 100 South Broad Street and units within the Criminal Justice Center, this specific listing refers to the Warrant Unit operations situated at 1401 Arch Street. Visitors to any Sheriff’s Office facility must adhere to strict security protocols. Law enforcement facilities prohibit weapons of any kind, recording devices, and other contraband. All individuals are subject to search and metal detection upon entry. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the specific location for your needs, as different types of warrants (e.g., family court vs. criminal) may be handled at different counters within the judicial district’s network of buildings.

• Bench Warrants: Execution of arrest orders for defendants who fail to appear in court.
• Fugitive Recovery: Active pursuit of individuals evading justice for criminal charges.
• Process Service: Delivery of legal documents and enforcement of court-mandated orders.
• Tip Line: processing information from the public regarding the whereabouts of wanted persons.