Lawmakers In Virginia Restrict Police Chokeholds, But No Ban On Controversial Maneuver

Virginia Lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill to Governor Ralph Northam’s desk that restricts and establishes rules for how police officers use chokeholds, but did not ban the controversial restraint hold. The bill stipulates police may only use the maneuver in cases where it is immediately necessary to protect the law enforcement officer or another person. Police groups opposed both versions of the law, but say they preferred the Senate’s approach, arguing the ban with no exceptions would force officers to use deadly force in situations where neck restraints could have presented a nonlethal alternative.