The debate widened in the same month when Philadelphia’s police commissioner told reporters of an ongoing internal affairs investigation into the allegations. “I personally wish they would have allowed that investigation to go forward before doing a press conference,” Commissioner Richard Ross said then. Before an informant can be used in most cases, officers are supposed to compile their biographical data, photographs, criminal records and signatures, according to department guidelines. The directives also state that only the district attorney’s office can grant informants immunity from criminal prosecution. Even though the allegations in the federal lawsuit have not been proven, they are already spurring legal battles in Philadelphia.

Source: National Post December 30, 2017 15:47 UTC