Authorities said Thursday that Inspector James Smith and former Detective Patrick Smith were off duty and in a car when they confronted a 27-year-old pedestrian in a shopping center parking lot in August. The victim suffered a black eye and bruises on his head, arms and legs.
Civil rights attorneys in Philadelphia have asked a federal judge to order the city to halt pedestrian stops for “quality of life” offenses, including littering and panhandling — saying the practice is rife with racial disparities.
Sources said former Detective John Logan allegedly allowed an informant who was owed money by the department to take valuable property out of evidence in lieu of payment.
If passed, the commission would investigate all citizen complaints filed against officers and the department.
Critics and protesters have denounced the city’s use of tear gas and other less-than-lethal munitions during at least three incidents.
The incident captured on video happened hours after two officers fatally shot 27-year-old Walter Wallace Jr. on Monday afternoon, sparking protests against police brutality.
The restraint bill incorporates bans already contained in the police department’s conduct rules into law.
PPD Capt. Louis Campione was caught on camera arguing with a man taping the protests and drew criticism over other videos showing a group of armed neighbors assaulting protestors.
