Concerns over allegations of excessive police force on February 20 when a Quakertown high school student walkout protesting ICE turned violent, including the local chief of police putting a girl in a chokehold, have local parents and citizens still looking for answers.
Upper Bucks United, a grassroots organization serving Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown school districts, is calling on concerned residents and members to attend a Quakertown borough council work session Monday night.
The group is asking residents to voice “serious concerns about the integrity and independence of a review conducted” by the Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County into 72-year-old Quakertown Borough Manager and Police Chief Scott McElree’s alleged assault of a 15-year-old high school student and the overall local police response that day.
McElree remains on workman’s compensation leave as a result of the altercation.
The planned student protest turned violent and involved adults and at least five teens who were subsequently arrested and held in the Bucks County Youth Center for days.
Upper Bucks United asks concerned community members to attend a Quakertown Borough Council work session Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. inside the borough hall. An agenda is available here.
“Organizers argue that an investigation relying on internal or closely affiliated parties undermines public trust, particularly in a case involving allegations of excessive force against students,” the Upper Bucks United press release said.
WHYY reported the review conducted by the police chiefs found the Quakertown Police Department – over which McElree is in charge – “was justified and within police policy.”
“This situation demands more than an internal review,” organizers said. “The community deserves a truly independent investigation that examines all evidence impartially and ensures accountability at every level.”
An independent investigation by Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan continues, while some local residents grow impatient about its release.
Attorneys for the students claim at the time of the altercation, the youngsters did not know who McElree was or that he was the borough’s police chief. McElree was seen in video in plain clothes and without any identification as a law enforcement official.
“Residents are raising serious concerns about the integrity and independence of the current review process, emphasizing the need for accountability and public transparency.”
They argue investigations which rely on internal or “closely affiliated parties undermines public trust” especially when the case involves excessive force by law enforcement against minor-aged students.
On February 20, McElree is alleged to have used excessive force, including placing a teenaged girl into a choke hold during what was intended as a peaceful protest “walk out” by Quakertown Community High School students protesting Immigrations and Customs Enforcement behavior and tactics.
In a widely shared video, McElree is seen entering the fray, placing a teen-aged girl in a choke hold and restraining her on the ground.
Students had planned their event on campus in advance and were told on the morning of the protest event it was cancelled over an unnamed “threat” of violence.
Residents and parents packed a subsequent February Quakertown school board meeting over the district’s handling of the protest and lack of perceived support for students, Bucks County Beacon previously reported.
“Key questions remain unanswered, including why no civilian or third-party investigators were involved, how conclusions were drawn using only police-provided materials and whether de-escalation efforts were properly considered,” the press release said.
If you go:
What: Quakertown Borough Council work session meeting
When: Monday, from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 35 N. Third Street, downtown Quakertown
Why: To support and renew calls for a separate, independent investigation into the use of excessive police force and situation handling against students known as the Quakertown 5.
