ALLENTOWN — The case of suspended Allentown police officer Philip Schirmer has entered the final phase of trial.

Attorneys from both sides of the case turned in summations of their respective arguments to Joseph Leo, the borough administrator of Matawan, who was appointed as the independent hearing officer for the case.

The trial of Patrolman Schirmer started July 12 after Schirmer was suspended from the force more than one year earlier.

"All the evidence is closed. We have submitted our closing summations to Mr. Leo," said Dean Buono, Schirmer’s attorney from the law firm of Parker McCay, of Marlton. The arguments were submitted on Jan. 5. "It is customary to give the hearing officer 10 days to review the arguments before a decision is rendered," Buono said. "However, the decision will not come out until the end of the month."

According to Buono, the charges against Schirmer should be dismissed due to two factors. First, in regard to the incidents that occurred in 1996 and earlier, the charges were filed after the 45-day statute of limitations and are no longer applicable since the charges were not brought up until June 2000.

Buono also contends the testimonies and evidence presented by the borough of Allentown are erroneous, irrelevant and contradictory. "Based on the evidence of the testimonies and the statutes of the law, I think we have a good chance of winning," he said.

The Schirmer case involves two separate charges against the suspended policeman. The first set consists of two instances of alleged misconduct and conduct unbecoming a police officer, as well as the improper use of a firearm. The first incident occurring on Oct. 30, 1998, and the second on April 12,1999. In both instances Schirmer allegedly drew his firearm and pointed it at a group of juveniles.

The second set of charges in the case is made up of five separate charges by the township. Two of the charges are of theft from a prisoner; another two of the charges are for assault. The final charge is of alleged false statements on an employment application.