Changes in Law Enforcement Policies

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 133 views

The Evolution of Law Enforcement: Choke Holds, Carotid Holds, and Neck Restraints

Introduction

The use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints by law enforcement agencies has been a topic of controversy for several years. These techniques, which involve applying pressure to the neck or throat to subdue an individual, have been used in various situations, including arrests and self-defense. However, the increasing number of lawsuits, deaths, and changes in law enforcement policies have led to a reevaluation of the use of these techniques.

A Brief History of Choke Holds and Carotid Holds

Choke holds and carotid holds have been used by law enforcement agencies for decades. These techniques were initially developed as a means of subduing individuals without causing permanent harm. However, the use of these techniques has been linked to several deaths and injuries over the years. In the 1990s, the use of choke holds became more widespread, particularly in the United States. The technique was often used in conjunction with other forms of restraint, such as handcuffs and leg irons.

The Controversy Surrounding Choke Holds and Carotid Holds

The use of choke holds and carotid holds has been the subject of controversy for several years. Critics argue that these techniques can cause serious injury or death, particularly when used on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. In 2014, the death of Eric Garner, a 43-year-old African American man, at the hands of a New York City police officer sparked widespread outrage and protests. Garner had been placed in a choke hold by the officer, which led to his death.

The Role of Neck Restraints in Law Enforcement

Neck restraints, also known as "blood choke" or "carotid restraint," are a type of technique used by law enforcement agencies to subdue individuals. This technique involves applying pressure to the neck, which can cause the individual to lose consciousness. Neck restraints have been used in various situations, including arrests and self-defense. However, the use of these techniques has been linked to several deaths and injuries over the years.

The Impact of Lawsuits and Deaths on Law Enforcement Policies

The increasing number of lawsuits and deaths linked to the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints has led to a reevaluation of law enforcement policies. In 2015, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) banned the use of choke holds, citing concerns over the safety of officers and the public. Other law enforcement agencies have also reevaluated their policies, with some banning the use of these techniques altogether.

The Importance of Further Study and Training

The use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints requires specialized training and expertise. Law enforcement agencies must provide their officers with comprehensive training on the use of these techniques, as well as the risks associated with them. Further study is also necessary to understand the effects of these techniques on individuals and to develop safer alternatives.

Changes in Law Enforcement Policies

The controversy surrounding choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints has led to changes in law enforcement policies. In 2015, the NYPD implemented a new policy that prohibits the use of choke holds, except in situations where an officer's life is in danger. Other law enforcement agencies have also implemented similar policies, with some banning the use of these techniques altogether.

Conclusion

The use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints by law enforcement agencies has been a topic of controversy for several years. The increasing number of lawsuits, deaths, and changes in law enforcement policies have led to a reevaluation of the use of these techniques. Further study and training are necessary to understand the effects of these techniques on individuals and to develop safer alternatives.

Recommendations

Comprehensive Training: Law enforcement agencies must provide their officers with comprehensive training on the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints, as well as the risks associated with them.
Further Study: Further study is necessary to understand the effects of these techniques on individuals and to develop safer alternatives.
Changes in Law Enforcement Policies: Law enforcement agencies must reevaluate their policies and implement changes that prioritize the safety of officers and the public.
Community Engagement: Law enforcement agencies must engage with the community to build trust and understanding, particularly in situations where these techniques are used.

References

National Institute of Justice. (2015). Use of Force by Police: Overview and Analysis.
American Civil Liberties Union. (2015). Police Use of Force: A Guide for Communities.
International Association of Chiefs of Police. (2015). Use of Force Policy and Training Guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Q: What is a choke hold?

A: A choke hold is a type of technique used by law enforcement agencies to subdue individuals. It involves applying pressure to the neck, which can cause the individual to lose consciousness.

Q: What is a carotid hold?

A: A carotid hold is a type of technique used by law enforcement agencies to subdue individuals. It involves applying pressure to the carotid arteries in the neck, which can cause the individual to lose consciousness.

Q: What is a neck restraint?

A: A neck restraint is a type of technique used by law enforcement agencies to subdue individuals. It involves applying pressure to the neck, which can cause the individual to lose consciousness.

Q: Are choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints safe?

A: No, these techniques are not safe and can cause serious injury or death, particularly when used on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Q: What are the risks associated with choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The risks associated with these techniques include:

Death: Choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints can cause death, particularly when used on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Injury: These techniques can cause serious injury, including brain damage, spinal cord damage, and other types of trauma.
Long-term effects: The use of these techniques can have long-term effects on individuals, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Q: What are the alternatives to choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The alternatives to these techniques include:

De-escalation techniques: Law enforcement agencies can use de-escalation techniques, such as verbal communication and physical restraint, to subdue individuals without using force.
Non-lethal force: Law enforcement agencies can use non-lethal force, such as Tasers and pepper spray, to subdue individuals without causing serious injury or death.
Medical intervention: Law enforcement agencies can use medical intervention, such as first aid and emergency medical services, to treat individuals who have been injured during an arrest.

Q: What is the role of law enforcement agencies in the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: Law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to use these techniques in a safe and responsible manner. This includes:

Providing training: Law enforcement agencies must provide their officers with comprehensive training on the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints, as well as the risks associated with them.
Implementing policies: Law enforcement agencies must implement policies that prioritize the safety of officers and the public.
Engaging with the community: Law enforcement agencies must engage with the community to build trust and understanding, particularly in situations where these techniques are used.

Q: What is the role of the community in the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The community has a role to play in the use of these techniques, including:

Providing feedback: The community can provide feedback to law enforcement agencies on the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints.
Engaging in dialogue: The community can engage in dialogue with law enforcement agencies to build trust and understanding.
Supporting de-escalation techniques: The community can support de-escalation techniques, such as verbal communication and physical restraint, as alternatives to choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints.

Q: What are the consequences of using choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The consequences of using these techniques can include:

Lawsuits: Individuals who have been injured during an arrest may file lawsuits against law enforcement agencies.
Changes in policy: Law enforcement agencies may be forced to change their policies on the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints.
Loss of trust: The use of these techniques can lead to a loss of trust between law enforcement agencies and the community.

Q: What are the benefits of not using choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The benefits of not using these techniques include:

Reduced risk of injury: Not using choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints can reduce the risk of injury to individuals.
Increased trust: Not using these techniques can increase trust between law enforcement agencies and the community.
Improved relationships: Not using these techniques can improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and the community.

Q: What are the next steps in addressing the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints?

A: The next steps in addressing the use of these techniques include:

Continued training: Law enforcement agencies must continue to provide their officers with comprehensive training on the use of choke holds, carotid holds, and neck restraints, as well as the risks associated with them.
Implementation of policies: Law enforcement agencies must implement policies that prioritize the safety of officers and the public.
Engagement with the community: Law enforcement agencies must engage with the community to build trust and understanding, particularly in situations where these techniques are used.