By Allison Steele
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PHILADELPHIA — Two high-ranking Philadelphia police officers who have been the subject of critical media scrutiny in recent months are apparently being passed over for the department’s next round of promotions.
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey declined Tuesday to comment on his decision not to promote the officers, Capt. Anthony Washington and Inspector Aaron Horne.
Earlier this year, both had been potential candidates for promotion. Washington was considered likely to be made inspector. The 17th District captain has been the subject of numerous lawsuits and complaints that include allegations of sexual harassment, physical assault, and retaliation.
The Philadelphia Daily News has written stories on the accusations against Horne and Washington.
In a September interview with The Inquirer, Ramsey said that the pattern of allegations against Washington was troubling, but that according to department’s civil service exam regulations, he could not deny someone a promotion without strong evidence of wrongdoing and had to promote those who scored highest on the exams. He also said that those guidelines tied his hands with hiring, firing, and other disciplinary actions, and that those promoted were not always those best suited to higher leadership roles.
Horne, meanwhile, was disciplined this year after an investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau found that he and another commander covered up a fight and arrest involving the relative of a former officer.
Ramsey has said that an internal investigation found support for allegations of wrongdoing and that Horne would not be promoted to chief inspector due to the findings.
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