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Bill

Bill

A 870

Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

New Jersey bill criminalizes law enforcement officers who use choking or neck restraints on individuals, creating new accountability for a use-of-force tactic linked to deaths.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
#crimproced #crimes #police
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Bill Summary · A 870

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 870 creates a new criminal offense in New Jersey specifically targeting law enforcement officers who use choking or neck restraint techniques on another person. The bill is named after George Floyd and appears designed to criminalize a specific use-of-force tactic by police that has been associated with deaths and injuries during police encounters.

Why is this important

Use-of-force incidents involving neck restraints have drawn significant national attention, particularly following high-profile cases resulting in deaths. This bill represents a direct legislative response to restrict police tactics, addressing concerns about officer accountability and civilian safety during law enforcement interactions. The criminalization of this specific technique could substantially alter police training and operational procedures across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: The bill's language regarding what constitutes prohibited "choking" will be critical—unclear definitions could create enforcement challenges or unintended consequences for officers in legitimate self-defense situations
  • Officer safety and discretion: Law enforcement groups may argue that restricting restraint techniques limits officer options during dangerous encounters and increases liability for officers who must make split-second decisions
  • Existing training and liability: Departments that have trained officers in certain restraint techniques may face questions about past practices and potential civil liability exposure for previous uses of now-prohibited methods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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