Office of Public Safety

Overview

The PHA Office of Public Safety (OPS) strives to build and maintain public trust by working to reduce crime and the fear of crime, while protecting the individual civil liberties and rights of the citizens served. It is the department’s commitment to serve using the law, common sense, and compassion as guiding principles.

In addition to providing emergency response services to calls for service at PHA’s developments, the OPS provides above baseline services to PHA’s residents such as Domestic Violence Intervention, Conflict Resolution Services, and participation in Community Events at PHA’s developments. While PHA’s residents are top priority for the department, PHA’s employees receive a multitude of security services from the OPS as well, including presence at community events and ensuring the safety of employees at PHA’s buildings and sites. The OPS values partnerships with external law enforcement entities to manage and prevent criminal activity, along with addressing quality of life issues.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Philadelphia Housing Authority Police Department is to build and maintain the public’s trust. This is accomplished by reducing crime and the fear of crime while at all times protecting the individual civil liberties and rights of the citizens we serve. It is our commitment to serve using the law, common sense, and compassion as our guidelines.

Technology

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Office of Public Safety utilizes ShotSpotter (Sound Thinking) Technology to enhance its ability to respond quickly and effectively to gunfire incidents within the PHA communities. This technology allows for faster response times, improved situational awareness, and increased public safety by ensuring that officers can respond to incidents of gun violence swiftly and with accurate data. The Office of Public Safety continues to leverage advanced technology to enhance safety, transparency, and community trust, by equipping Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) and Dash Cameras throughout our fleet to promote accountability while ensure all actions are documented. Additionally, Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) help identify vehicles of interest, while our Signal Sidearm devices enhance the safety of our Officers and member of the community. These technologies collectively improve operational efficiency, strengthen transparency, and reinforce our commitment to maintaining positive relationships with the communities we serve.

External Partnerships

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Office of Public Safety is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its communities through collaborative efforts with various law enforcement and public safety agencies. By leveraging the resources and expertise of external agencies, the Office of Public Safety is better equipped to proactively address challenges and ensure a secure environment for all Philadelphia Housing Authority residents.

Core Principles

Professionalism, Honor, Accountability, Outreach, Pride and Service.

PHA Police Advisory Board

The PHA Police Advisory Board acts as an engaged liaison between PHA residents, the OPS, and the community to promote safety, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Complaints Against PHA Police

In order to promote both transparency and accountability that will strengthen public trust and improve police-community relations, PHA shares complaints against PHA’s Office of Public Safety on a quarterly basis.

All citizen complaints against the Office of Public Safety are investigated by an independent investigations unit located in PHA’s Office of Audit and Compliance (OAC). Complaints can be filed with the OPS or OAC.

PHA Police Department
2013 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Directed Complaint Process

The Non-Emergency Directed Complaint Process allows individuals to contact 215-684-4840, where they can speak directly with an Officer or Supervisor to report issues or provide information about persistent safety concerns. These directed complaints are then reviewed and assigned to Officers for proactive patrols and follow-up actions to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.

Anonymous Tip line Information

The Office of Public Safety offers the Anonymous Tip Line at 215-684-3350. This confidential line allows individuals to report concerns or provide information regarding potential safety issues or criminal activity within PHA communities without fear of identification or retaliation. The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we encourage everyone to use this valuable resource to help keep our neighborhoods and Developments safe and secure.

Administrative Office:

For questions relating to the Office of Public Safety, you may contact 215-684-4838 or email us at PHAOPS@pha.phila.gov.

Phone: 215-684-4840
Fax: 215-684-4828

Radio Room-Emergencies:

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone: 215-684-1911