Philadelphia Police Department Policy Manual

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) publishes its Directives online, covering everything from patrol procedures and use of force to internal investigations, evidence handling, and community interactions. The directive system is dense and highly structured, reflecting both local expectations and federal oversight influences over time. For promotional candidates, the ability to navigate and apply the directive structure is just as important as memorizing individual rules.

When studying PPD policy for promotion, start by learning the **directive architecture**: how directives are numbered, grouped, and updated. Build a master index in your notes with directive titles and a one-line description for each. Then:

- Identify which directives are most frequently cited in discipline, lawsuits, or news coverage (typically use of force, stops and frisks, vehicle pursuits, and complaint handling).
- Build detailed notes and scenario examples for those high-risk topics.
- For each directive, note the supervisory responsibilities: who must be notified, who reviews reports, and what time limits apply.

You should aim to be the person who can quickly point other officers to the right directive and explain how it applies to a messy, real-world call.

High-value PPD directive topics to focus on:

- **Use of force & firearms** – definitions, force continuum, reporting, review, and officer-involved shooting protocols.
- **Stops, detentions, and searches** – pedestrian and vehicle stops, documentation, and legal thresholds.
- **Pursuits & vehicle operations** – when pursuits are permitted, risk factors, supervisory control, and termination requirements.
- **Complaints, discipline, and internal investigations** – how complaints are taken, categories of investigations, rights of involved officers, and possible outcomes.
- **Evidence & property control** – intake, storage, chain of custody, and audits.
- **Bias-free policing & community relations** – expectations for professional conduct, documentation, and supervisory follow-up.

For PPD promotional exams, expect a combination of direct policy questions and scenario-based items. To prepare:

1. **Turn directives into flowcharts.** For complex topics (e.g., pursuits, use of force reporting, complaint intake), draw flowcharts that show decision points and required notifications.
2. **Pay attention to graded responsibilities.** Many questions revolve around who is responsible for what: patrol officer vs. sergeant vs. lieutenant.
3. **Practice “directive lookup drills.”** Even when you are studying from printed or digital copies, periodically practice finding specific topics quickly. Time-limited lookup drills build the familiarity you need when you only vaguely remember where a policy lives.
4. **Connect policy to city context.** Remember that Philadelphia’s consent decrees, community expectations, and historical incidents influence how directives are written. Understanding that context can sometimes help you select the “most PPD-appropriate” answer when several options seem plausible.