Lakewood Police Ban Carotid Hold After George Floyd's Death

LAKEWOOD, CO — The Lakewood Police Department has joined many law enforcement agencies around the nation in banning all neck holds in the wake of George Floyd's death. The Denver and Aurora police departments have also banned carotid control techniques.

Carotid restraints, also called sleeper holds, blood chokes or strangleholds, cut off enough blood flow to the brain to subdue someone temporarily — if used properly.

In a video posted Tuesday, Lakewood Police Chief Dan McCasky said he was "disgusted" with the video that showed police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes.

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McCasky said that his department "does not support or tolerate" what happened to Floyd.

"We are offended by this outrageous conduct," McCasky said.

McCasky said his department has "extremely stringent hiring standards, relevant and ongoing training, and a very disciplined code of conduct."

Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul said he was "horrified" when he saw the video.