LAPD To Stop Using Chokeholds

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department will stop training and sanctioning the use of carotid artery restraints, also known as sleeper holds Chief Michel Moore, announced Monday.

Moore issued a moratorium on the controversial technique in the wake of widespread protests against police brutality following the police custody death of George Floyd. The moratorium on choke holds will remain in place pending a detailed review of the maneuver by the Board of Police Commissioners.

The move comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom called on the states police departments to suspend the use of choke holds.

"The carotid hold blocks the flow of blood to the brain. It's a dangerous tactic that should not be used by law enforcement," Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted Friday.

The decision to suspend the maneuver is the most high-profile of reforms adopted by the LAPD in response to the protests rocking the city.

It was agreed upon by Moore and Police Commission President Eileen Decker, according to a statement by the LAPD.

But it may be just the beginning.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to consider a number of proposals Tuesday related to criminal justice reforms and police protests, including support for a statewide ban on carotid artery restraints.

Other agencies are likely to follow suit.

Pasadena Police Department Chief John Perez and El Monte Police Department Chief David Reynoso have also suspended the use of carotid restraint controls by their departments' officers effective Sunday. Both departments are exploring alternative techniques and options for confrontations with dangerous or violent suspects.

Supervisors Janice Hahn and Mark Ridley-Thomas had filed a motion in support of "8 Can't Wait" use-of-force policies recommended by the advocacy group Campaign Zero.

The motion called on Sheriff Alex Villanueva and all 46 police departments in Los Angeles County to adopt the restrictions, which include limiting the use of chokeholds and requiring a warning before shooting.

Villanueva declared his support for the "8 Can't Wait" policies in a tweet Monday, posting that "@LASDHQ has been at the forefront of Use of Force training. Campaign Zero echoes the #LASD use of force principles and we encourage all law enforcement to mirror our 21st Century use of force policies."

Campaign Zero, which is led by Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson, data scientist Samuel Sinyangwe and policy advocate Brittany N. Packnett Cunningham, says the policies are backed by rigorous data.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.