De Blasio signs NYC police anti-chokehold bill into law
The NYPD’s long-criticized use of chokeholds is now illegal under a bill Mayor de Blasio signed into law Wednesday.
For weeks, the bill signing had been the source of tension between de Blasio and police higher-ups who’ve argued that one of its provisions, which forbids cops from sitting or kneeling on a suspect’s back, will needlessly hobble cops in chaotic and potentially life-threatening situations.
Supporters of the bill have said the mayor took far too long to sign it into law.
De Blasio also signed off on bills Wednesday that will protect people who record police on the street and that will require the NYPD to make information about its use of surveillance technology available to the public.
“I’m proud to sign these sweeping reforms into law,” de Blasio said. “I’m confident we can make these reforms work and continue strengthening the bond between police officers and our communities.”
By far, the chokehold law has led to the most pushback from cops.
Before de Blasio signed the bill into law Wednesday afternoon, the New York State Troopers PBA demanded that troopers be removed from the city over what it described as “this poorly conceived bill.”
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