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Download AudioThe Chokehold KCPD LVNR Controversy: What You Need to Know
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Understanding the LVNR Police Tactic
The Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint (LVNR) is a controversial police technique used to subdue individuals. It involves applying pressure to the sides of a person’s neck. This pressure targets the carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain (LLRMI). However, it is different than a chokehold.
The goal of LVNR is to cause temporary unconsciousness, allowing officers to gain control. This technique is intended to avoid obstructing the airway, a key difference from a chokehold, which restricts breathing. While the KCPD says no confirmed fatalities have occured in its 40 years of use, critics raise concerns about potential risks. Specifically, there have been discussions on injuries and even death if the LVNR isn’t applied correctly (MATC).
LVNR Use: Legal and Medical Perspectives
Legal cases provide some insight. Copen v. Noble County involved a lawsuit related to LVNR, but it didn’t involve a death. Another case, Partee v. City of Columbia, examined guidelines for when the use of LVNR is permissible (LLRMI). However, the cases do involve some concerns.
These court cases highlight ongoing debates about the safety and appropriate use of LVNR. Medically, the technique relies on reducing blood flow, rather than directly blocking the airway. The distinction is important, yet it is debated. Furthermore, proponents argue it is a less lethal option compared to other forms of force (LLRMI).
Chokehold vs. LVNR
KCPD Incident and Public Reaction
A recent incident involving an off-duty KCPD officer using LVNR sparked controversy. A video showed the officer restraining a man in a grocery store. The man was accused of trespassing and allegedly bringing a gun onto the premises (Atlanta Black Star). Subsequently, the situation escalated quickly.
During the restraint, the man could be heard saying, “I can’t breathe.” This phrase carries significant weight due to its association with George Floyd’s death. The incident, therefore, ignited public outcry. Consequently, many people drew comparisons to Floyd’s case and questioned the officer’s use of force (Atlanta Black Star).
Conflicting Accounts & Police Force Justification
Witness accounts often clash with official police narratives. In this KCPD incident, one witness claimed the officer continued applying pressure even after the man seemed to comply. The police, however, stated the man was combative and resisted arrest (Atlanta Black Star). Moreover, contrasting portrayals add to the controversy.
Some social media users defended the officer. They emphasized the man’s alleged shoplifting history and the potential threat of a firearm. This perspective frames the officer’s actions as a necessary response. In contrast, critics strongly condemned the use of LVNR, viewing it as excessive force, particularly given the “I can’t breathe” plea (Atlanta Black Star). The KCPD has stated they will review the incident.
KCPD & LVNR: Key Statistics
Key statistics regarding KCPD and LVNR Use. Source: (LLRMI)
Ongoing Investigation and Policy Concerns
The KCPD confirmed an internal review of the incident. However, they refrained from commenting on whether the force used could be regarded as excessive. The incident is under investigation. Moreover, the department maintains that LVNR, when correctly applied, is a safer alternative to traditional chokeholds (Atlanta Black Star). Specifically, transparency is key.
The use of LVNR touches on broader concerns about use-of-force policies. Legal standards, such as those discussed in the *Partee* case, emphasize assessing whether force is “objectively reasonable” given the circumstances. This incident and others like it fuel debate about police training, tactics, and oversight (LLRMI). Furthermore, this is an ongoing discussion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
