Although the choke hold maneuver was not an authorized response to resistance, nor is it part of the training curriculum of our agency, today I signed the following order banning the use of neck restraints and choke holds into policy:
*The use of neck restraints, choke holds, or similar techniques which interfere with blood flow to the brain and/or obstruction of the individual’s airway, or have the potential for serious injury are not authorized, except when a deputy’s life is at risk.*
As a CALEA “Accredited with Excellence” agency, we are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures in order to provide the most professional of best practices to our community. I am committed to the ongoing review of our policies and practices for continued improvement of safety, respect, fairness and equality for all.
