Oakland, CA. July 9, 2020  Oakland’s Police Commission enacted the strongest language in the nation banning the use of all neck holds and protecting individuals from asphyxia (when someone is deprived of oxygen). 

Oakland has the strongest independent community oversight in the United States with the ability to write policing policy, discipline officers, and fire the police chief. This policy can now only be overturned by a majority vote veto from the city council which is not expected.Although “choke holds” are banned in Oakland, the use of the carotid hold which cuts off the flow of blood to the brain, is considered to be lethal force and was still allowed.The asphyxia language in this policy is unprecedented in protecting residents ininteractions with police.

The policy comes in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a case that has sparked national protests and increased awareness over the dangers of police restraints, including asphyxia, that prevent people from breathing.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oakland, CA.  Oakland’s Police Commission July 9 enacted the strongest language in the nation banning the use of all neck holds and protecting individuals from asphyxia (when someone is deprived of oxygen). 

 

The policy comes in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a case that has sparked national protests and increased awareness over the dangers of police restraints, including asphyxia, that prevent people from breathing.