WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 3273

Establishes that law enforcement officer who chokes another utilizes deadly force.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill classifies officer choking as deadly force, subjecting the technique to lethal-force legal standards and accountability requirements.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
#crimproced #police
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3273

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3273 legally classifies choking or strangulation by law enforcement officers as the use of deadly force under New Jersey law. This means officers who employ such techniques would be subject to the same legal standards, accountability measures, and use-of-force restrictions that apply to lethal weapons.

Why is this important

This classification has significant implications for police training, accountability, and civil liability. Choking and strangulation can cause death or permanent injury, yet officers may not always be trained or held accountable as if using lethal force. The bill directly addresses a gap between the potential lethality of these techniques and their legal treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Training and operational impact: Law enforcement may argue this limits tactical options and requires extensive retraining; departments counter this could reduce injuries and deaths
  • Justification thresholds: Defining when choking meets the legal standard for "deadly force" situations may be complex; some argue it eliminates a middle-ground control technique
  • Comparative liability: Officers and unions may oppose increased legal exposure; advocates argue accountability should match actual danger posed by the technique

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

Sign in to ask a question.