The Waterloo Police Department has updated its Use of Force Policy, according to KWWL. Among other things it specifically lists choke holds to be a form of unauthorized use of force. The same goes for techniques that intentionally apply pressure to a person’s neck in a way that restricts blood flow. It also says that tasers may only be used if the subject is violently resisting and baton strikes to the head are banned. New Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald is set to introduce a plan for police reform at the city council meeting next week. Council Pat Morrissey has suggested several reforms including an ordinance banning racial profiling, implicit bias and deescalation training, changing the police patch which some see as racist, not hiring any officer with a history of domestic abuse or racially charged comments, banning the use of tear gas on protesters, donating military-grade equipment to the national guard, as well as eliminating 9 positions and using that money to hire more social workers and mental health professionals.
