Wichita ? A judge has agreed to let a drug defendant’s lawyer examine allegations of misconduct against four Wichita police officers in open court.

District Judge Rebecca Pilshaw granted attorney Kurt Kerns’ request on Thursday. Pilshaw said internal affairs’ interviews with the officers appear to show a “pattern of behavior” by three of the four officers, who are part of a unit that combats drugs, gangs and street-level violence.

She said she was surprised that a fourth officer was part of the investigation.

“I believe these issues need to have a full hearing,” Pilshaw said. “I would like to hear these officers testify under oath.”

Kerns’ client, Terry Marck, is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. Kerns has contended that the four officers were involved in warrantless and unconstitutional searches of Marck’s home almost two years ago.

In challenging the searches, Kerns wants to question the credibility of the officers, in light of the misconduct allegations.

In a news conference after the hearing, Police Chief Norman Williams said “it is unfortunate that a department administrative issue has reached the level of being addressed in district court.”

Williams said the internal investigators found only minor policy violations.

But Kerns challenged that assertion.

“I can guarantee I’m going to find major offenses by these officers,” Kerns said.

Kerns will question the officers at a hearing set for July 25 and 26.