MEMORIAL FOR BOTCHED RAID VICTIM

The Harlem woman who died after a botched drug raid a year ago
yesterday was remembered with tears and cries for action.

About two dozen people turned out for the ceremony in front of the 310
W. 143rd St. apartment building of Alberta Spruill, 57, a city worker
who died May 16, 2003, of a heart attack when police stormed her
apartment and detonated a flash grenade after getting a bum tip about
drug deals there.

"Every year the crowds may grow smaller but the cause is just as
large," said the Rev. Al Sharpton, clad in a black Nike running suit.
"We promised the families we would be there until there was justice."

Sharpton and City Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn) called for an
independent criminal probe into Spruill's death.

"Heads should have rolled," Barron said. "Where are they getting these
flash grenades? What other grenades and bombs do they have for our
community?"

In the wake of the tragedy, the NYPD changed how it handles no-knock
warrants, confidential informants and flash grenades. The city also
paid $1.6 million to Spruill's family.

Cynthia Howell, Spruill's cousin, broke down after saying she didn't
believe in the reforms.

"We hear people say this isn't going to happen again - but yes, it
is," said Howell, 40.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott attended the ceremony, but did not speak.