Philly Police Stopping Non-Violent Crime Arrests Amid Outbreak

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Police Tuesday said they will no longer make arrests for non-violent offenses during the local coronavirus outbreak.

Effective Tuesday, police will not arrest people for certain non-violent offenses.

Instead, police will detain the person, take their information, complete required paperwork, then release the person.

At a later date, that person will be arrested pursuant on a warrant for their crime, police said.

Police can, however, arrest a person they believe is a threat to public safety after a supervisor reviews the circumstances and determines immediate arrest is necessary.

Billy Penn reports crimes that fall under this category include theft, burglary, prostitution, stolen automobiles, and vandalism.

Other actions the department is taking during the outbreak include moving plain clothes units to patrol duties, suspending the "Live Stop" vehicle impoundment program, and providing members of the department with training on how to best avoid COVID-19 infections.

"Our mission is to protect and promote the health and safety of our officers and the community we serve to the best of our ability, while continuing to discharge every aspect of our core duties," said Commissioner Danielle Outlaw.

As this pandemic situation is inherently fluid, additional information will be provided as conditions dictate.