In Quakertown, a deeply troubling incident has shattered the community's trust in our local police department. On February 20, 2026, a plainclothes police chief, without verbal identification, physically confronted student protesters, forcibly engaging a 15-year-old girl in what many witnesses have described as a choke-hold. This conduct has underscored the urgent need for policy reform regarding police identification and use-of-force.

Shockingly, the Quakertown Police Department's use-of-force policy has not undergone a comprehensive update since before 2014. This is unacceptable in an era where transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights are paramount. The disconnect between existing policies and current societal standards creates an atmosphere of fear rather than safety among community members.

We propose clear, actionable changes to rectify these issues:
1. Immediate revision of the Quakertown PD use-of-force policy to align with modern standards and practices utilized by police departments that prioritize the use of force as a last resort.
2. Mandatory training for all officers on de-escalation techniques and the ethical treatment of all individuals, with a focus on non-violent conflict resolution.
3. Strict protocols that require all officers, including those in plainclothes, to clearly identify themselves as law enforcement during interactions with the public.
4. Implementation of a transparent review and oversight mechanism involving community stakeholders to ensure ongoing evaluation and accountability of police practices.

These steps are essential for restoring trust within our community and protecting the rights and safety of all Quakertown residents, especially our youth.

This petition is an appeal to the Quakertown Borough Council, the Quakertown Police Department, and all relevant authorities to recognize the urgent need for these updates. Ensuring that our police department meets current basic standards is not just about policy change; it's about preserving the integrity, trust, and safety of our community.

SECTION 1: Prohibition on Chokeholds and Neck Restraints

No officer of the Quakertown Police Department shall use a chokehold, carotid restraint, or any other neck restraint on any civilian, including minors, except in scenarios where deadly force is explicitly authorized by Pennsylvania law. Any use of deadly force involving a neck restraint shall be documented in writing within 24 hours and submitted to the Borough Council and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.

SECTION 2: Officer Identification Requirement

Any plainclothes or off-duty officer who initiates physical intervention with a civilian shall verbally identify themselves as a police officer before any physical contact, unless doing so would create an immediate and documented safety risk. The basis for any such exception shall be recorded in the officer's use-of-force report.

SECTION 3: Body-Worn Cameras

All uniformed and plainclothes officers responding to protests, public demonstrations, or any incident involving potential use-of-force shall activate body-worn cameras prior to arrival on scene. Footage of any use-of-force incident involving a minor shall be retained for a minimum of three years and shall be made available to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, redacted only as strictly necessary to protect minor identities.

SECTION 4: Annual Training Requirements

Every officer of the Quakertown Police Department, including the Chief of Police, shall complete annual training on the following topics:

· Use-of-force legal standards under Pennsylvania and federal law

· De-escalation techniques, specifically as applied to minors and youth protests

· Prohibition and identification of chokeholds and neck restraints

· Implicit bias, particularly regarding race, immigration status, and political expression

· Officer identification requirements for plainclothes personnel

Proof of completion shall be submitted annually to the Borough Council and made available for public inspection.

SECTION 5: Public Posting of Use-of-Force Policy

Within thirty (30) days of the adoption of this Resolution, the Quakertown Police Department shall post its complete use-of-force policy, including all amendments adopted herein, on the Borough's official public website. Any future amendments shall be posted within seven (7) days of adoption.

SECTION 6: Independent Review of Use-of-Force Incidents Involving Minors

Any use-of-force incident involving a minor shall be reviewed by an independent body, which shall include at least one member with expertise in child and adolescent development and one member who is not a current or former law enforcement officer. The review shall be submitted to the Borough Council and made public within ninety (90) days of the incident, with minor identities redacted.

Please sign this petition to demand these necessary reforms and to make a powerful statement that Quakertown residents stand for accountable and transparent policing.