SOP 107.5 VASCULAR NECK RESTRAINT
(a) Definitions
-
The "Vascular Neck Restraint" means any hold or restraint specifically designed to inhibit blood flow through the vessels of the neck without inhibiting breathing by compression of the airway in the neck and without compression of the larynx or trachea.
-
The carotid submission hold shall be considered to be deadly force.
(b) No vascular neck restraint shall be used except by persons instructed in the dangers of the neck holds, its definition as potentially deadly force, and the proper use and constraints of the technique, by someone specifically trained in the use and dangers of neck holds. Refresher training shall be provided on at least an annual basis.
(c) Medical attention shall be administered to the person by a qualified medical professional as soon as possible after the use of any neck restraint.
SOP 107.6 CHOKE HOLD
(a) Definition
- The "choke hold" means any hold or restraint specifically designed to inhibit breathing by compression of the airway in the neck. The choke hold shall be considered to be deadly force.
(b) Medical attention shall be administered to the person by a qualified medical professional as soon as possible after the use of the choke hold.
Renton Police Department Comments
Our department does not currently train our officers in neck restraints, although our officers who are in multi-jurisdictional assignments may be trained in vascular neck restraints due to those officers having a greater risk of dealing with combative offenders. We consider neck restraints to be lethal force reserved for situations in which a threat of death or serious injury exists.
Eight Can't Wait
Data proves that together these eight policies can decrease police violence by 72%