Delco Sheriff Bans Chokeholds After George Floyd's Death

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Chokeholds are now banned from use by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office following the death of George Floyd.

Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders Jr. Thursday handed down a new directive to deputies that bans them from using choke holds during any physical altercation with people they encounter during their duties.

Sanders Tuesday emphasized that when interacting with the public and incarcerated individuals, sheriff's deputies are to use only the force necessary and to only use approved use-of-force tactics to provide for their personal safety, while practically respecting the individual’s physical well-being.

"I acknowledge that any interaction with a suspect or prisoner has inherent dangers, but I insist that all deputies react professionally and in a manner that reasonably safeguards both their own safety and health and that of the individual they are handling," Sanders said.

Floyd died after former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for about nine minutes on May 25 while being detained after he allegedly used a fake $20 bill.

Chauvin is charged with second degree murder and related crimes in connection with the incident. Three other officers on scene are also facing charges.

Floyd's death was ruled homicide by asphyxiation.