Ramsey agrees with panel's abuse finding

AFTER COMPLAINANT Anthony Bey accused police of conducting an illegal search of his Frankford home and physically assaulting his brother in 2010, an Internal Affairs investigation exonerated the officers, and allegations of abuse were not sustained.

On Tuesday, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey backed a number of recommendations made by a civilian Police Advisory Commission panel, whose investigation of the case found evidence of abuse. It is the first panel opinion since 2007.

The commission suggested that the officers involved "review the police directive concerning warrants and the constitutional requirements for warrantless searches; that additional training on searches be incorporated into training for all officers; and that the complainant be compensated for the property damage caused by the police officers."

"Based upon this re-examination, I concur with the recommendations of the Police Advisory Commission," Ramsey wrote in a letter to the commission.

During a phone interview yesterday, Ramsey said that Bey had not cooperated with the Internal Affairs investigation and that the Police Department had paid for damage to his front door.

According to the opinion, on April 27, 2010, Bey had an altercation with his neighbors. After the fight, Officers John Descher and Robert Bakos responded to a radio call about a "man with a gun" on Granite Street near Glenloch.

A neighbor directed the officers to Bey, his brother Barton and his cousin, all of whom were on the porch, the opinion states. The men proceeded to enter the house as the officers asked to speak with them.

The officers barged in, damaging the front door, ordered the men to the ground at gunpoint and handcuffed them. Barton alleged that at least one of the officers used excessive force to subdue him. He was treated for shoulder injuries and bruises.

Dresher searched the living room and dining area without a warrant. No weapons were found, according to the commission's opinion. The commission held a hearing on the case last March, and the recommendations were issued in October.