Long Beach police have suspended the use of the carotid restraint, the department announced Wednesday, joining a growing number of law enforcement agencies doing the same amid protests over George Floyd’s death and police violence.
The special order suspending the use of the restraint went into effect Wednesday, June 10, although choke holds were already prohibited in the Long Beach Police Department’s use of force policy, a statement from the department said. The department’s policy also never allowed using knees, legs or feet as a neck restraint, police said.
A carotid restraint, involves using one’s hands to apply pressure to the sides of the neck. The technique restricts arteries that supply oxygen to the brain and differs from a choke hold, which is defined as a maneuver that pinches the front of a person’s throat to inhibit breathing.
Such police tactics have become controversial since Floyd’s death, which came after he was seen on video footage saying “I can’t breathe” as a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against his neck for more than eight minutes. Protests have unfolded nationally since his death on May 25, including in Long Beach where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets.
“Our department recognizes the community’s concern regarding this use of force application and we are responding to those concerns by taking action,” Chief Robert Luna said. “This is just the first of many steps that we will take to continue to build trust and create equity within the community we proudly serve.”
The Long Beach Police Department also joins the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in suspending the use of the carotid restraint. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department this week issued a moratorium on use of the restraint in situations that don’t rise to the level of deadly force. Other agencies throughout the region have also suspended the use of the restraint.
While Derrick Chauvin — the officer charged with second-degree murder after kneeling on Floyd’s neck — did not use the carotid restraint, Floyd’s death has brought scrutiny of the technique.
While more agencies have said they are suspending the use of the restraint, also known as the sleeper hold, some have pushed back. When done properly, some argue that the carotid restraint can be used as a safer alternative to taking someone down, as opposed to more dangerous methods such as guns or batons.
In Long Beach, the Police Department said it will review the use of the carotid hold during the suspension, in addition to finding more ways to reduce the overall use of force. Last year, Long Beach police reported its overall use of force was down.
The City Council Tuesday night also voted to move forward with two items seeking to bring policy change to issues related to racial injustice, in addition to potential reforms to the Citizen Police Complaint Commission.
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June 11, 2020 at 12:05AM
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Long Beach police suspend use of carotid restraint - Long Beach Press Telegram
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