Written By Doctors across the United States are speaking out against the use of chokeholds as a lethal use of force by law enforcement. The recent deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, both of whom were killed by police officers using neck restraints, have once again brought the issue of chokeholds to the forefront of national discussion.
Chokeholds involve applying pressure to the neck, which can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to unconsciousness or even death. Despite the dangers of the practice, chokeholds continue to be used by some law enforcement officers as a means of subduing suspects.
However, doctors warn that the use of chokeholds can have severe and potentially deadly consequences. The American Medical Association has declared that chokeholds are “inherently dangerous and have no place in modern policing.” Doctors point out that even when used properly, chokeholds can cause serious injury or death due to the risk of cutting off the airway or damaging the spine.
Furthermore, chokeholds can be particularly dangerous when used on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In these cases, the risk of serious injury or death is even greater.
In light of these concerns, some states and municipalities have taken action to ban the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers. For example, New York State passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act in 2020, which makes it a crime for law enforcement officers to use a chokehold or similar restraint tactic.
However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the use of chokeholds is banned nationwide. The deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright have led to renewed calls for action, with activists and medical professionals alike calling for stricter regulations and training for law enforcement officers.
The use of chokeholds also raises ethical concerns. The disproportionate use of force against communities of color has led to widespread mistrust of law enforcement, and the use of potentially deadly tactics like chokeholds only exacerbates this problem. The ethical standards that govern law enforcement require that force be used only as a last resort, and only when necessary to protect the safety of officers or others.
It is clear that the use of chokeholds as a means of subduing suspects is a dangerous and potentially lethal practice that must be banned. The deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright are tragic reminders of the dangers of excessive force by law enforcement, and of the need for meaningful reform in policing.
As medical professionals and activists continue to speak out against the use of chokeholds, it is up to policymakers and law enforcement officials to take action to ensure that these deadly tactics are no longer used. Only by working together to create safer and more just communities can we begin to address the systemic issues that have led to the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers.
