Brockton Officer Who Knelt On Student's Back Acted Within The Law

BROCKTON, MA — An internal investigation found that a Brockton police officer who was caught on video kneeling on a student during an arrest outside of Brockton High School last month did not violate any rules.

"Investigators concluded that the officer acted in accordance with existing laws and department protocols," Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Michael P. Thomas said in a statement Tuesday.

On Nov. 17, a video surfaced across social media, showing a police officer with his knee on a 16-year-old student for a few seconds before placing him into handcuffs.

The student who was being arrested had hit another student in the face, starting a fight outside of Brockton High School, Superintendent Thomas said.

A nearby officer broke up the fight but says the student resisted arrest. Police say this is when the officer was seen kneeling on the student for a few seconds while he got him into custody.

In a phone message to families, Superintendent Thomas said the officer, who has not been named, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation launched by Brockton Police Chief Manny Gomes.

The video was posted to the NECN website and shows the officer kneeling on the student's back. The arrest happened during a school lunch break and the student has been charged with assault and battery, according to Brockton police.

It is unclear if the officer will return to work, as Thomas also said "the terms of the officer's return to duty are still being determined."

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