Neck Restraints

Print or save as PDF

Definitions

Chokehold: A physical-control technique that applies pressure to the front of the neck and trachea/windpipe and restricts a person’s ability to breathe.

Officer: A constable appointed under the Police Act or an enforcement officer appointed under section 14.15 of the Police Act.

Vascular Neck Restraint: Physical-control technique which applies compression of the vascular tissue along the lateral aspects of the neck, which results in temporary decreased cerebral blood flow, and may result in temporary loss of consciousness.

---

Standards

Vascular Neck Restraint 

The Chief Constable, Chief Officer, or Commissioner:

(1) Must ensure only Officers trained and demonstrating proficiency in applying the Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR) are authorized to apply this technique.

(2) Must ensure Officers are requalified in applying the VNR according to the following schedule:

(a) If the police service permits the use of the VNR in circumstances other than those where there are reasonable grounds to believe that lethal service is justified, each Officer authorized to apply the VNR must re-qualify every year, at a minimum, in applying this technique.
(b) If the police service only permits the use of the VNR in circumstances where there are reasonable grounds to believe that lethal force is justified, each Officer authorized to apply the VNR must re-qualify every three years, at a minimum, in applying this technique.

(3) Must prohibit Officers from the intentional use of Chokeholds, unless the Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that lethal force is justified.

Written records of training

The Chief Constable, Chief Officer, or Commissioner:

(4) Must maintain written records of the training and requalification completed by each Officer of the police service.

Policies and procedures

The Chief Constable, Chief Officer, or Commissioner must ensure that:

(5) Policies and procedures are consistent with these BC Provincial Policing Standards.