Houston mayor signs executive order banning police use of chokeholds

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday signed an executive order on police reform which prohibits police techniques such neck restraints and chokeholds.

According to the executive order, officers can only use the prohibited techniques when it's objectively necessary to prevent imminent serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others.

"Officers shall not place their knee, foot, or body weight on the neck of a suspect to control or contain the suspect's movement," Mayor Turner said.

"We believe that taking all these things in collaboration can help restore and maintain the confidence of the general public. We want the public to know that we are responding and listening to their concerns and taking some immediate steps, which we believe will create a much better system for everyone."

The executive order also covered other requirements on police department's response to resistance, de-escalation, use of deadly force, and no-knock warrants.