National
NYPD Ignored Civilian Oversight Board in Choke Hold Cases, Report Finds
Taylor Wofford, NEWSWEEK
NEW YORK (Newsweek)—A new report released Monday by New York City’s police inspector general found the New York Police Department frequently ignored the advice of its civilian oversight board to bring disciplinary action against officers found to have put suspects in choke holds.
Choke holds have been prohibited by the NYPD Patrol Guide since 1994, which defines them as “any pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air.” The use of choke holds by police has been in the spotlight since the July death of Eric Garner, who was stopped by police for selling loose cigarettes and died after being placed in an apparent choke hold. The incident was captured on camera and became a flashpoint for a series of protests on the use of police force.
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