Can the police take your cell phone if they're investigating a crime in Pennsylvania? Yes and no. It depends on the circumstances. The police cannot take your phone without a warrant. They would need a warrant to take and search the phone. If, for example, you are arrested for a crime and you have your cell phone on you, the police can conduct a inventory search. They can take that cell phone at the possession. They're not allowed to search it without a warrant, however.
It depends on the given circumstances. People obviously do much or most of their communication via cell phone today, often in the form of text messages or say emails or even social media posts. What is on your phone can have potential implications if the police are investigating a crime. It depends on the circumstances as to what the police would be allowed to do with that phone. Having an experienced Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney will be your best ally to help you understand and navigate the process and to understand what your rights are. They should be involved as early as possible if you're facing a concern of this nature.