Framingham Bans Police Chokeholds, Orders Use-of-Force Review

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham mayor on Tuesday issued two joint orders along with the police chief and health department aimed at eliminating racial inequity, and reexamining how police use physical force.

Mayor Yvonne Spicer's first order, issued with the Board of Health, declared racism a public health crisis. Spicer's order asks the health department to examine how racism has harmed public health in Framingham, and to develop programs to reverse inequity, among other items. A similar declaration was made recently by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

In a second order, issued along with Chief Steven Trask, Spicer ordered a review of police use-of-force guidelines. The order also bans chokeholds and other form of restraint around the neck, and orders that officers must intervene in the case of excessive use of force.

George Floyd died after a Minneapolis officer kneeled on his neck for almost 9 minutes, and none of the other officers at the scene intervened.

Trask has been asked to undertake a review of all the department's use-of-force policies, and to recommend possible changes within 60 days. The Framingham police use-of-force policy is usually available on the city website, but it was not there on Tuesday because it was being revised, according to city officials.

"As I have observed and participated in the peaceful protests in Framingham involving residents of all races and ages, I recognize there is a groundswell of change in the air," Spicer said in a news release. "Our community is ready to move forward and lead the way to confront the issue of police violence and its tragic legacy in our country head-on with community-based solutions."