Brockton High School Resource Officer On Leave After Viral Incident

BROCKTON — A Brockton police officer has been put on leave after an incident at Brockton High School — captured in a video that went viral — in which the officer was shown apparently kneeling on the back of a detained student.

Superintendent Mike Thomas said in a voice message that went out to the district Wednesday night that the incident took place outside during lunch yesterday.

He noted that the boy was alleged to have physically attacked another student, and that the video shows the moment he was being handcuffed by the school resource officer.

"The way the student is being restrained during the arrest has been cause for great concern," Thomas stated, adding that the video was "painful to watch — particularly given its historical context."

Get our free mobile app

The superintendent said that the district has contacted the mayor, members of the School Committee, and Brockton Police Chief Manny Gomes, who he said has already started an investigation.

The officer in question has been placed on administrative leave.

Brockton High School has closed one of its four libraries for the day Thursday to make it a resource center for students to speak with a school adjustment counselor about the incident.

Brockton police said they are conducting an inquiry into the student's arrest to determine whether the officer followed proper rules and procedures.

The student has been charged with assault and battery and was released to his parents, police said.