Minneapolis has taken decisive action to prohibit police chokeholds following the tragic death of George Floyd. The city council is poised to ratify a significant agreement that will not only outlaw these dangerous tactics but also mandate that officers report and intervene when they witness unauthorized use of force by their colleagues, irrespective of rank or seniority.
Background of the Initiative
This initiative stems from a stipulation between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), which has initiated a civil rights investigation into the police department’s practices following Floyd’s death while in custody. The investigation will scrutinize the department’s policies over the past decade, aiming to address systemic issues related to racism and discrimination.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Once the agreement is finalized, any officer witnessing a neck restraint or chokehold must immediately report it to their superior. Furthermore, they are compelled to intervene, both verbally and physically, against any unauthorized force. Officers who fail to act could face disciplinary measures equivalent to those imposed on the officer employing prohibited techniques.
Changes to Crowd-Control Weapons Usage
In addition to these measures, the use of crowd-control weapons, including rubber bullets and chemical agents, will now require prior authorization from the police chief or a designated deputy chief. MDHR emphasized the importance of confronting the deep-seated discrimination faced by communities of color and Indigenous populations, highlighting the historical context that has contributed to these systemic issues.
Witness Accounts Highlight Urgent Need for Reform
A witness in the ongoing investigation, Samuel Rivers, shared his account of the incident, describing how the situation escalated after Floyd was forcibly removed from a squad car. Rivers recalled the fear evident on Floyd’s face, stating, “He was pleading for help as he was suffocating.” Such powerful testimonies underline the urgent need for reform within law enforcement.
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Conclusion
In summary, Minneapolis is set to enforce a ban on police chokeholds and require officers to intervene against unauthorized force, marking a significant step toward reforming law enforcement practices in the wake of George Floyd’s death.