Marin County Sheriff's Office Stops Using Carotid Restraint

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday it has suspended the use of the carotid restraint, a compliance technique that renders uncooperative detainees unconscious but can prove deadly if performed improperly.

According to the agency, the sheriff's office already prohibits the use of "chokeholds," which restrict air flow, as a neck restraint to overcome resistance under any circumstances.

Effective immediately, the sheriff's office has suspended the use of the carotid restraint, which restricts blood flow, as an authorized restraint hold until further notice. As part of the suspension, the sheriff's office will gather, review, consult with legal counsel and evaluate regional data and science associated with the use of the carotid restraint as a control technique.

"I recognize the community's growing concern regarding this use of force application and we are responding to those concerns by taking action," Sheriff Robert T. Doyle said in a statement. "This is just the first of many steps that we will take to continue to build trust and create equity within the communities we proudly serve."

The sheriff's office will continue to search for ways to reduce its overall use of force and identify additional ways to achieve peaceful resolutions to conflict, according to the agency.

"We are committed to de-escalation when possible and train in a manner to resolve all interactions peacefully," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

"We look forward to listening to you and working in partnership with our communities on solutions to reduce violence and enhance safety in our communities."

Law enforcement agencies across the country have banned or suspended the use of the carotid restraint after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died Memorial Day in Minneapolis after being taken into police custody.

Floyd passed out and died after being pinned by the neck by an officer's knee for nearly nine minutes. He repeatedly said he could not breathe in the final minutes of his life.

Since his death, people have taken to the streets in cities across the country, including in the county, to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

Also see:

• Cars Caravan Across Marin County To Protest Police Brutality
• Protestors March Against Police Brutality In Mill Valley
• Thousands Urge Mill Valley Mayor To Step Down Amid Backlash
• Mill Valley Mayor's Response To Black Lives Matter Question Sparks Outrage