Bill > S4199

This bill amends New Jersey state law to explicitly define a law enforcement officer's use of a choke-hold as deadly force. Specifically, the bill adds language to the existing statute defining deadly force to include situations where an officer knowingly places pressure on a person's throat, windpipe, or carotid artery in a way that hinders breathing or interferes with blood flow to the brain. Under current law, deadly force is only justified when necessary to protect against death or serious bodily injury, to arrest or prevent the escape of a violent criminal, or to prevent the commission of a violent crime. The new provision means that law enforcement officers cannot use a choke-hold unless they are confronting one of these dangerous scenarios, effectively restricting the circumstances under which such a potentially life-threatening restraint technique can be employed. The bill will take effect on the first day of the second month following its enactment, providing a clear timeframe for implementation of these new restrictions on law enforcement use of force.

Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4199