Gov. John Carney signed legislation banning the use of chokeholds by police officers in the First State.
He signed the bill in a prerecorded video released Thursday, noting he believes it will build more trust in law enforcement.
“The most important thing that we do in government generally is to protect the safety of every one of our citizens. We can’t do that without the trust and confidence of all members of the community.”
The new law makes it a felony for police officers to use a chokehold on a suspect unless it’s needed to protect another person.
Lead sponsors Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Sen. Tizzy Lockman joined Carney for the signing.
Both are part of the Legislative Black Caucus, which proposed the legislation as part of its “Justice for All” agenda. The caucus plans to unveil more bills next year addressing racial inequality and police brutality.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings and new Department of Safety and Homeland Security Nathaniel McQueen also offered support for the law.
McQueen notes that while Delaware police don’t learn or use chokeholds, this law acknowledges that it’s never acceptable in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
