Privacy & Surveillance in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
1 verified privacy & surveillance rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Security Camera Rules
Philadelphia requires any business running a video surveillance system to retain its footage unrecycled for at least thirty days, or longer if the Police Department sets a longer period by regulation, so investigators can pull tape after a crime. The Department can also dictate the tape quality businesses must use. Violations carry a minimum $25 fine per day under Code Chapter 10-1700.
Philadelphia Businesses Must Keep Camera Tapes
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 10-1703, § 10-1704
§ 10-1703. Requirements. (1) All businesses utilizing video surveillance systems shall maintain and not recycle surveillance videotapes from that system for a period of thirty days after their initial use or for a period determined by the department. (2) The department may through regulation require businesses to use a type or quality of videotape for the purpose of meeting the requir...