In recent years police use of force has become the focus of both media and law enforcement agencies. Since the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 constriction of suspects’ breathing has been of particular concern. Neck restraint techniques of various kinds are all now considered deadly force “choke holds,” and prohibited by almost all agencies nationwide.
As of September 2021 the Justice Department withholds federal funding from: “any jurisdiction where choke or carotid holds are not banned.”
Understanding why this form of restraint has been so widely used, and why there is officer resistance to the ban provides clues to help us develop effective alternatives. This article explores the reasons why in high stress situations officers still revert to neck restraints, and how rear restraints can be modified for safer application. A method of restraint using the most effective elements of chokes or carotid compression, but without any neck contact is possible, and can become a valuable component of approved defensive tactics curriculum.
BANNING OF THE REAR NECK RESTRAINT
Rear neck restraint techniques are referred to by various terminology including “sleeper hold,” “vascular neck restraint,” “carotid artery compression,” and “lateral vascular neck restraint” (LVNR.) Although there is significant research supporting the relatively safe application of these techniques, isolated incidents involving a suspect’s death have resulted in legal decisions that any constriction of the neck, causing even temporary loss of consciousness is too dangerous for inclusion in a defensive tactics curriculum. To lawmakers and the general public the appearance of an officer’s arm around a subject’s neck will always be seen and defined as a “choke hold.”
OFFICER RESISTANCE TO THE BAN
In New York City, long after neck restraint techniques have been prohibited, officers continue to use it in struggles with actively resistant or assaultive subjects. Between 2014 and 2020 the civilian complaint review board received 996 reports of its use. The unreported incidence of use is probably far higher.
In high stress situations officers are now put in the position of choosing between a lesser force option such as a Taser, OC spray, Baton, or escalating the level of force to using their firearm. No effective alternative to the LVNR has been offered to fill the gap. A closer look at the elements which make neck restraints so effective can help identify effective alternatives.
Source: www.lawofficer.com