Investigation finds officer used excessive force in James Blake arrest: Report

The city agency responsible for following up on claims of police misconduct concluded the officer who arrested former tennis pro James Blake used excessive force.

The New York Times reported late Wednesday that the Civilian Complaint Review Board sent a letter to Blake’s attorney that said the panel’s investigation into Officer James Frascatore was complete.

Video released by New York City Police soon after Blake’s arrest on Sept. 9 showed Frascatore approach Blake alone as the athlete leaned against a column in front of a midtown Manhattan hotel.

Plainclothes officers were scouting the area after receiving reports that a man who looked like Blake and was suspected of credit card fraud was in the area.

Frascatore was reassigned to desk duty almost immediately after officials at City Hall and police headquarters heard about the arrest and released the video. Blake met with both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.

A group of activists and lawmakers promptly called for the officer — who had amassed at least five reported complaints with the CCRB in the four years he has been on the force — to be fired.

Bratton previously told reporters he had “concerns about the takedown” and apologized for the arrest.

“My concern is that after the release, there’s department protocols that should have been followed but apparently were not,” Brattontold reporters days after the arrest.

Meanwhile, NYPD leadership and union chiefs defended Frascatore’s right to due process.

“I have complete respect for the principle of due process and appreciate the efforts of the CCRB to advance this investigation,” Blake told the Times.