DENVER – Denver’s police department is changing policies regarding its use of force and body cameras in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody.
As more people demonstrated in Denver Sunday evening, the department released a statement saying that it has banned the use of chokeholds with no exceptions effective immediately. Previously, the practice was barred except in lethal encounters, The Denver Post reported.
The department also said that officers who intentionally point their gun at someone will be required to notify a supervisor and file a report to help collect data on such incidents.
Members of its SWAT team will also have to activate their body cameras when they are performing tactical operations, the department said.
The changes were made through collaboration with the department’s use of force committee and consideration of recommendations from the Center for Policing Equity, the department said.
“We will continue to evaluate our policies with community input to make improvements as need in the interest of public and officer safety,” Chief Paul Pazen said in the announcement.
Floyd died in Minneapolis after Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.
