Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
LA Supes Back Statewide Ban On Controversial 'Sleeper Holds'
L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. (L.A. Sheriff's Department)
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to support a statewide ban on a controversial neck hold used by police.
Governor Newsom first proposed the ban on carotid holds last weekend amid protests over the killing of George Floyd. The state legislature could vote a ban later this year.
The technique involves an officer pressing his arm on one or both sides of a person’s neck to restrict blood flow to the brain. Also known as a "sleeper hold," it can almost immediately render someone unconscious, and can cause serious injury or even death if the flow of blood is restricted for too long.
It’s not what happened to George Floyd, but his killing has brought the tactic under renewed scrutiny.
On Monday, L.A. Sheriff Alex Villanueva tweeted that, from now on, deputies can only use the carotid hold if a suspect’s actions “rise to the level of deadly force." Previously, a suspect merely needed to be "assaultive or high risk."
Meanwhile, other local agencies are suspending use of the carotid hold. On Tuesday, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said it's suspending use of the technique to evaluate its "effectiveness as a compliance tool." On Monday, the LAPD suspended the use of carotid restraints pending further review by the Police Commission. And Pasadena Police Chief John Perez on Sunday suspended the carotid restraint, saying use-of-force experts will explore alternative techniques “for encounters involving dangerous and violent suspects.”
Sponsored message
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
