August 10, 2008|By Annie Linskey | Annie Linskey,Sun Reporter
The administrative trial board found Palmere guilty of misconduct, making a false statement, violating a law by making a false statement and two charges of improperly filing a report. Members said they recommended a 150-day suspension in part because of the officer's "exemplary record with the department over a fourteen year career."
Members also said that commanders said they "were willing to supervise Officer Palmere despite sustained charges" and "believed Officer Palmere's career was worth salvaging."
Frazier disagreed, writing in his letter that the "false statement could have lead to the unlawful incarceration of a citizen for several years under the mandatory sentencing guidelines. ... As evidenced by the trial transcript, Officer Palmere admitted that he signed his name to an affidavit he knew to be false."
Davey said that after his client's case was returned for a rehearing, it lingered until after Frazier left the department. "They finally decided, 'We'll just dismiss the case and let him retire,' " the attorney said. "It wasn't part of any official agreement. The department looked at it as a way to get rid of [the case]. My guy was happy to retire."
annie.linskey@baltsun.com
Sun reporter Gus G. Sentementes contributed to this article.
Philip Palmere's career
March 1985: Joins Baltimore Police Department.
February 1996: He and another officer arrest Tavon S. Anderson and charge him with drug dealing and handgun possession.
October 1996: Prosecutors drop all charges against Anderson.
December 1997: Administrative charges are brought against Palmere, alleging he wrote in court documents that he saw Anderson throw a gun to the ground. Police say he found the gun inside an apartment.
June 1999: A three-member police trial board finds him guilty of perjury and making a false statement. Board recommends that he be suspended for 150 days without pay.
August 1999: Then-police Commissioner Thomas C. Frazier increases the penalty to termination.
September 1999: Palmere appeals to Baltimore Circuit Court.
January 2000: Circuit Judge Alfred Nance remands the matter to the trial board, concluding that Palmere should have had the opportunity to bring two additional character witnesses to testify on his behalf.
March 2000: Palmere retires from Baltimore City Police Department.
August 2002: Joins Department of General Services Police.
June 2008: Palmere named DGS chief.
