 The recent ban on the use of chokeholds by the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) has brought the controversial tactic back into the spotlight. This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Chokeholds, including the Applied Carotid Triangle Restraint (ACTR), have been at the center of discussions about police reform due to their potential for causing fatal injuries. The recent ban on the use of chokeholds by the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) has brought the controversial tactic back into the spotlight. This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Chokeholds, including the Applied Carotid Triangle Restraint (ACTR), have been at the center of discussions about police reform due to their potential for causing fatal injuries. The ACTR tactic is different from the chokehold that killed Eric Garner in 2014, but both techniques have been criticized for the risk they pose to public safety. Chokeholds involve applying pressure to the windpipe, restricting airflow, while the ACTR targets the carotid arteries in the neck, which can lead to unconsciousness. Mistakes can easily happen during these maneuvers, resulting in serious injury or death. MDPD Director Freddy Ramirez announced the decision to ban the use of ACTR, citing a multitude of factors, including officer and public safety, feedback from policing professionals and community members, local leaders and officials, and recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum. The change in policy is effective immediately, and the department will amend its training protocols accordingly. Several other South Florida agencies, including the Broward Sheriff's Office, Fort Lauderdale police, Wilton Manors, City of Miami, Miami Beach, and Hialeah police, have also banned all kinds of neck restraints. However, some departments do not directly ban or address them in their policies, and others only prohibit their use in situations where deadly force is justified. Cesar Serje, a jiu-jitsu black belt and mixed martial arts instructor, explains the difference between a chokehold and the carotid triangle restraint, emphasizing that the latter is less likely to cause permanent damage if not held for long periods. However, both techniques can have devastating consequences if applied incorrectly or used excessively. In response to the controversy surrounding chokeholds and other potentially dangerous tactics, many advocates are calling for alternative methods of subduing unruly suspects. By reevaluating and updating police training and policies, departments can work towards ensuring the safety of both officers and the public. The recent changes in Miami-Dade County and other South Florida agencies are just the beginning of a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive police reform. As quoted by two different police departments: "We know the concerns that the community has about this procedure, and so [Ramirez] made the call and said that will no longer be used by Miami-Dade police." - Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. "The Hollywood Police Department's Response to Resistance policy does not strictly forbid the use of chokeholds or neck restraints. However, a defensive tactic of this type could only be used in a life or death situation where deadly force is justified." - Hollywood Police Department statement. These statements highlight the varying approaches to chokeholds and neck restraints among different police departments, illustrating the importance of continued discussions about police reform and the need for consistent policies to protect both officers and the public. As the debate surrounding chokeholds and neck restraints in law enforcement continues, it's essential to explore alternative methods for subduing suspects that prioritize safety for all involved. Some of these alternatives include: Verbal de-escalation: Training officers in verbal de-escalation techniques can help to resolve many situations without resorting to physical force. By developing communication skills and learning to empathize with individuals in distress, officers can often diffuse tense situations without the need for forceful intervention. Use of less-lethal tools: Equipping officers with less-lethal tools, such as Tasers, pepper spray, or beanbag rounds, can provide safer options for subduing suspects while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death. These tools should be used with caution and proper training, ensuring that officers understand the potential risks and limitations of each device. Grappling and control techniques: Law enforcement officers can benefit from learning non-lethal grappling and control techniques, such as those taught in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or other martial arts disciplines. These methods can help officers to control and restrain suspects without causing unnecessary harm or resorting to potentially dangerous neck restraints. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training: Officers who receive CIT training are better equipped to handle situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. By understanding the unique challenges these situations present, CIT-trained officers can respond more effectively and compassionately, reducing the need for force. Emphasis on community policing: Fostering strong relationships between police officers and the communities they serve can help to prevent conflict and reduce the need for forceful interventions. By promoting trust and understanding, community policing strategies can help officers to work collaboratively with community members to address public safety concerns and reduce the likelihood of confrontations. The recent changes in policy regarding chokeholds and neck restraints are a step in the right direction, but further action is needed to ensure comprehensive reform across all police departments. By considering alternative methods for subduing suspects, law enforcement agencies can prioritize public safety and work towards building trust with the communities they serve. In conclusion, the controversy surrounding chokeholds and neck restraints has led to significant changes in some police departments, but more work remains to be done. The conversation about police reform must continue, with a focus on finding safer alternatives and fostering transparency and trust between law enforcement and the public. By embracing change and working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.
|
Dennis Gonzalez Jr.
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Archives
August 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed