BSCC Bans Training of Carotid Hold

SACRAMENTO (August 13, 2020) – Training on the use of the carotid hold by local corrections officers will no longer be certified by the state after a unanimous vote today by the Board of State and Community Corrections.

The prohibition on carotid hold training complies with the Governor’s criminal justice reforms that came in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who pleaded that he could not breathe while being held by the neck. The reforms included an order that the carotid hold be removed from state police training programs and materials.

Following the Governor’s action, Board Chair Linda Penner had issued a memo to the field on June 10, 2020 notifying agencies of the suspension of certification, which impacts 72 courses for local corrections officers that include the carotid hold training. Today’s vote makes the suspension permanent.

A ban on use of the hold in correctional facilities will be considered as part of the ongoing BSCC revision of the Title 15 Code of Regulations governing the operations of adult correctional facilities. A ban on the use of the carotid hold by all peace officers is being considered by the Legislature. Assembly Bill 1196 will be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 17, 2020 and would go into effect immediately upon approval by the Governor.

The BSCC is a multi-faceted organization whose duties include providing technical assistance and training to local adult and juvenile corrections facilities.

For more information about the training prohibition please contact Standards for Training in Corrections Deputy Director Evonne Garner at Evonne.Garner@bscc.ca.gov.

###