By Adam Pincus
Detectives Edmond Olivacce, 37, and Bernard Dixon, 36, from the Queens Narcotics Division were each assigned to a position on Fifth Avenue as part of the police security for the parade when a woman who believed them to be intoxicated notified a police lieutenant at about 4:30 p.m., the spokesman said. The lieutenant, in turn, told a captain, who spoke with the detectives, according to the Police Department spokesman.They were judged unfit for duty and suspended without pay, according to the spokesman. A suspension is not a criminal violation, but a violation of departmental rules. One such rule forbids drinking alcohol on the job, he said.Olivacce, who joined the force in 1993, and Dixon, who joined in 1990, have made hundreds of arrests between them, according to their attorney, Philip Karasyk, of Karasyk and Moschella, a Manhattan firm on retainer for the police union.He said the length of the suspensions has not been given, but that his clients were awaiting the formal charges, which had not been filed at press time. “Then they will have the opportunity for the first time to defend themselves,” he said.The New York Post reported that a videotape captured the men groping women, but Karasyk said Tuesday that he was not aware of such a videotape or anyone preparing to bring complaints about the detectives.”To the best of my knowledge, I know of no person coming forward,” but he added that with all the media attention, “maybe someone looking for an early payday” will say something.He confirmed that Olivacce had a clean record but that Dixon was suspended for 45 days in 1997.Reach reporter Adam Pincus by e-mail at news@timesledger.coom or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.
