Ad Blocker Detected
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.
For decades, doctors have been warning about the dangers of chokeholds used by law enforcement officers. However, it wasn’t until Jordan Neely’s tragic death that the world was forced to confront the deadly consequences of this practice.
Chokeholds, also called neck restraints, are a technique used by police officers to subdue suspects. The method involves placing an arm or leg around a person’s neck and applying pressure to cut off the oxygen supply to the brain. In many cases, these types of holds have resulted in severe injuries and even death.
Before Neely’s death, there were numerous instances of people being injured or killed by chokeholds. In 2014, Eric Garner died in New York City when an officer placed him in a chokehold while attempting to arrest him for selling loose cigarettes. A grand jury declined to indict the officer involved, sparking outrage and protests across the country.
Similarly, in 2016, Alton Sterling was killed in Louisiana when police officers pinned him to the ground and one of the officers placed him in a chokehold. The officer involved was not charged with a crime.
These incidents and others like them led to calls for police departments to ban the use of chokeholds. However, many departments continue to allow officers to use the technique in certain situations.
Medical professionals have been warning about the dangers of chokeholds for years. A study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine in 1985 found that chokeholds could cause serious injury or death. The study recommended that chokeholds be banned.
In 1993, the National Institute of Justice released a report that found chokeholds were “inherently dangerous” and recommended police departments ban the practice.
Despite these warnings, many officers continued to use chokeholds. In some cases, departments tried to justify their use by claiming they were a necessary technique for subduing suspects.
However, many experts argue that there are safer and more effective ways for police officers to detain suspects. These include methods like arm bars, wrist locks, and pressure-point control.
In recent years, some departments have banned the use of chokeholds. In 2020, New York City passed a law banning police officers from using chokeholds or other maneuvers that restrict airflow. The law was passed in response to Eric Garner’s death.
Similarly, in June 2020, the Minneapolis City Council voted to ban chokeholds and other types of neck restraints. The ban came after the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
While these bans are a step in the right direction, some experts believe more needs to be done to prevent future deaths from chokeholds. This includes better training for police officers and more oversight of their use of force.
It is also important for members of the public to understand their rights when encountering police officers. Individuals have the right to ask officers to identify themselves and to request a lawyer. They also have the right to remain silent and to not consent to searches.
In addition, individuals should try to remain calm and polite when interacting with police officers. Resisting arrest or becoming confrontational can escalate the situation and potentially lead to the use of force.
In conclusion, Jordan Neely’s death has highlighted the dangers of police officers using chokeholds. Medical professionals have long warned about the risks associated with the technique, but many departments continued to allow officers to use them. While some departments have now banned chokeholds, more needs to be done to prevent future deaths and injuries. This includes better training for police officers and more oversight of their use of force. It is also important for members of the public to understand their rights when encountering police officers and to remain calm and respectful during interactions. Only then can we hope to prevent future tragedies like Jordan Neely’s death.
