Five Philly Police Officers Suspended

PHILADELPHIA - After a series of Internal Affairs investigations, five Philadelphia police officers are facing disciplinary action.

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Top commanders Thursday officially announced that five officers have been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss.

William Johnson is Executive Director of the Police Advisory Commission. He told "Good Day Philadelphia," when fellow officers are accused of wrong doing it affects the whole force. Johnson says turmoil within the force "taints the good work" of all officers who are working hard to protect the city.

Three of those officers are expected to be fired because they allegedly used racial slurs while on duty. The other two officers were allegedly involved in off the job domestic-related incidents.

"Each case is serious, serious to the point where dismissal is the appropriate action," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "I think the majority of our officers serve the public very well everyday, respective of race."

In a news release, Commissioner Ramsey identified the accused officers.

On September 19, 2008, Sergeant Paul Seeger, assigned to the 25th District, and a 14-year-veteran of the Department, allegedly became involved in a domestic dispute, while off-duty, with family members at his home. Uniformed police from the 7th Police District responded, and during the incident, Seeger was alleged to have made verbal threats toward the officers and supervisor. The District Attorney has charged Seeger with terrorist threats and disorderly conduct.

On September 21, 2008, Officer John Safarowicz, of the 39th District, and a 11-year-veteran, was alleged to have identified himself as a police officer and pushed his way into a residence while off-duty. While inside, it is further alleged that he threatened and assaulted the occupants. Officer Safarowicz was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, official oppression, and criminal mischief.

On March 13, 2009, 17th District Police Officers Donald Swan and Anthony Ferriola responded to a disturbance inside Audenried High School. Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs Division investigated an allegation that while the officers were at the school they used racial epithets toward students. Officers Swan and Ferriola, who are four and three-year veterans of the force, were charged with departmental violations due to their conduct during this incident, and both given 30 day suspensions with the intent to dismiss.

On January 30, 2009, Officer William Thrasher, of the 22nd District, and a 2-year veteran, conducted a ride-a-along with a Temple University student journalist. During that ride-a-along, it was alleged that Officer Thrasher made racial comments and slurs, which were posted on Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater’s website. The Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs Division investigated the allegations and Thrasher was charged with departmental violations for his conduct. Commissioner Ramsey has given Thrasher thirty days suspension with the intent to dismiss for his conduct.

FOP President John McNesby tells Fox 29 News he will carefully review the investigations and take the appropriate actions.

At least three of these officers have been removed from street duty during these investigations.

All five turned themselves in to Internal Affairs Thursday morning and surrendered their badges and guns. They do have the right to appeal.

Stay with Fox 29 News and MyFoxPhilly.com for more on this developing story.