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Police Advisory Commission axes director


William Johnson, executive director of the Police Advisory Commission, was removed from his post Thursday with the civilian-led police- oversight group.

"At the last public meeting, there was some open disagreement between the commissioners and Bill regarding case-handling," said Ronda Goldfein, chairwoman of the Police Advisory Commission. The panel investigates citizen complaints against police and advises Commissioner Charles Ramsey on whether additional training, disciplinary action or other procedures may be necessary for officers who are the target of complaints.

Johnson is the brother of Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson, who heads the police Internal Affairs Department. Commissioners have expressed concerns that the organization is not investigating and closing citizen complaints quickly enough.

The commission is expected to tap Kelvyn Anderson, the group's deputy director, to fill Johnson's post on an interim basis until the Nutter administration appoints a new director.

"He's been there for many years, he's done a fine job and he understands all of the challenges that the commission faces," Goldfein said of Anderson. "We're very much committed in making the PAC efficient and not losing ground with the change in personnel."

Johnson and Anderson were unavailable for comment Friday night.