The Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County released an administrative review Thursday, examining the Feb. 20, 2026, protest that escalated into a clash between demonstrators and police.
In the report, association President Joe Bartorilla said investigators concluded officers acted appropriately during what they described as a volatile and challenging situation.
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Student walkout ends in arrests after confrontation with police
"The review concluded that the department's actions were consistent with established training, best practices, and professional standards, and that the officers acted within the scope of department policy," Bartorilla said in a statement.
The association said it remains committed to the highest standards of professional policing and stands by the integrity and findings of the review.
The protest led to the arrest of five teenage demonstrators and sparked community concern after video surfaced showing Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree placing a student in a headlock.
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Quakertown police initially said some students engaged in disruptive behavior during the walkout, including hitting and kicking cars and blocking traffic.
Students later countered that some protesters were responding to verbal harassment from drivers.
According to the report, McElree - who is currently on workers' compensation leave - suffered extensive injuries during the incident, including three fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and a lacerated ear.
McElree reportedly identified himself as an officer and asked protesters to use the sidewalk. However, some demonstrators claimed they were unaware he was a police officer at the time.
The report also issued four recommendations for handling future demonstrations:
- Officers should clearly display badges or other identifying markings.
- Protest response teams should include designated arrest teams.
- Officers should use body-worn cameras.
- Departments should implement a planned public relations strategy for incidents that generate significant public and media interest
The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is also conducting its own independent review of the police response.