WASHINGTON, Feb. 7: Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, today announced the first update since 2018 to rules on the use of force by federal police agencies, which include limits on the use of lethal techniques, among other restrictions.
The update sets “clear rules” for the use of force, including a ban on the use of force against those whose actions only threaten themselves or property.
The use of strangulation and carotid pressure is prohibited “unless the use of deadly force has been authorized,” and limits are placed on home invasions without knocking on doors.
The measures lead to changes in police training in areas such as the use of deadly force, the use of non-lethal force, techniques to reduce tension in confrontation, and the use of stereotypes and prejudices.
“Our ability to protect the country depends on public trust, which is built on the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of our police practices,” the official said in a statement.
“This ad is designed to promote these essential values,” said the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Cases of abusive use of force by local police have sparked protests in recent years, culminating in nationwide demonstrations in the summer of 2020 following the death of African-American George Floyd.
In the United States, DHS has 65 federal agencies and 27 inspector general offices under its jurisdiction, and approximately 18,000 state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, ranging from five officers employed to agencies with more than 30,000 employees. are
The standards announced today apply to agencies that rely on the federal government, which employs more than 80,000 agents across the country, and they are under discussion with various groups and union organizations representing agents, according to Mayorkas. There are results.
“Police officers and constables have deep responsibilities in their noble profession,” the officer said. “We are grateful for the sacrifices they make every day, and we are confident that by working together, we can achieve safe and fair enforcement processes.”
