Editing Philadelphia Police Department (section)

== Organization ==

The Police Commissioner, appointed by the mayor, serves as the department's chief executive officer. The commissioner oversees a command structure including deputy commissioners, chief inspectors, and captains who manage operations across the city. The department divides the city into six patrol divisions containing twenty-one police districts, with district captains responsible for patrol operations within their geographic areas.<ref name="ppd"/>

Specialized units address particular crime types and functions. The Homicide Division investigates murders; the Special Victims Unit handles sex crimes and child abuse; the Narcotics Bureau addresses drug trafficking; and various other units focus on organized crime, gang activity, and other specialized areas. The SWAT unit provides tactical response capabilities, while the Marine Unit patrols waterways. This specialization enables focused expertise while patrol divisions handle general law enforcement.<ref name="ppd"/>