Mayor Nutter?! 
Police critics arrested, home seized in police raid.
OK, apparently crimes of violence went up in Philly or there was a perception that they had. Nutter and Ramsey implemented a plan to allow police to frisk for weapons with "reasonable suspicion", according to one Philly blogger, " based on your demeanor or clothing". I take it as an item of faith that if Charles Ramsey is involved it's bad.
June 14th 8:10 AM Philadelphia. Homeowners were released from custody after being held without charges for up to 14 hours early this morning. The 4 were taken into custody yesterday after police arrived at their door without a warrant demanding entry to the premises. Upon being refused entry without the proper paperwork they arrested the homeowners and forced entry to the premises. After arresting the homeowners the police proceeded to call the Department of Licenses and Inspections which found the property in violation of various codes and permits and ordered the building cleaned and sealed. Homeowners were told they will have 1 hour at ten am to retrieve personal belongings before their home is sealed. Officials claim that the homeowners will no longer be able to access their property without violating a trespassing law. Police cruisers sat watch in front of the property all night long. Homeowners were released at 3:30 in the morning. Representatives of the homeowners will be present to make a statement while they retrieve some of their possessions. The police operation was led by 9th district Commanding Officer, Captain Wilson.
There will be a press conference and community meeting on Monday night, 6pm, at the playground at 19th street and Wiley.
Nutter is a fairly common name that was exported to the US from England ca. 1630s.
As for the "stop and frisk" rule, unfortunately that was already given the "thumbs-up" from the Supreme Court some time ago, though its precise contours are still being worked-out.
Police critics arrested, home seized in police raid.
June 13th, 2007. Philadelphia Police descended upon the home of homeowners
who have been questioning police tactics in Mayor Nutter's new "stop and
frisk" program. 4 residents were arrested in their home at 17th street and
Ridge Avenue, and the police are in the process of sealing the building.
The homeowners are being held at the police station, no charges have yet
been filed.
Homeowners had been circulating petitions calling upon Mayor Nutter and
Police Commissioner Ramsey to attend community meetings on the use of
excessive force, surveillance cameras, and the new "stop and frisk"
policy. The mayor and police chief have declined to attend these community
forums, but instead have seized the home and possessions of those who
question "Stop and Frisk," and are currently holding them in jail. While
many civil liberties advocates and residents of affected neighborhoods
have questioned the new police tactics, few imagined that simple criticism
of a city policy could result in the seizure of one's home and subject
residents to arrest.
More details coming soon.
contact:
Danielle Redden 267-243-5231 dredden@critpath.org
Jade Walker 215-939-2386 kaleliberation@yahoo.com
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