Court approves ban on Minneapolis police from using choke holds, neck restraint

A judge of Hennepin Country court in Minnesota has ordered the Minneapolis Police Department to prohibit the use of all neck restraint or choke holds for any reason.

The order appeared to address the tactic used by former officer Derek Chauvin on George Floyd for more than eight minutes before his death.

Judge Karen Janisch's order says any member of the Police Department who observes another member using any unauthorized use of force, including choke hold or neck restraint, has an affirmative duty to immediately report the incident.

Officers are also required to "safely intervene by verbal and physical means" against such inappropriate use of force, or "they shall be subject to discipline to the same severity as if they themselves engaged in the prohibited use of force."