INDIANA — In the last two years, several Indiana law enforcement agencies have changed their use-of-force policies.
In light of a Purdue university police investigation into a recent arrest, we're taking a look at a new state law that deals with use of force.
In July, a new state law went to effect that requires law enforcement officers to take de-escalation training,
"This was really important," said Marion County Sheriff's Office Captain David Roberts.
MORE | Purdue University police officer on leave amid investigation into arrest caught on video
House Bill 1006 was introduced following the death of George Floyd which sparked protests across the country demanding police reform and a chokehold ban.
The new Indiana law also defines a chokehold and classifies it as an act of deadly force.
"A lot of times, these incidents happen very fast and that officer is having to make a split-second decision that can potentially be life or death — not only for the officer but for those in the community in which we serve," said Roberts.
Captain David Roberts said the Marion County Sheriff's Office already had a strict use-of-force policy before the bill was passed.
MORE | Bill advances to expand what Indiana must disclose in child and abuse deaths
He said any form of pressure on a person's neck is unacceptable for their department unless it's a life or death scenario.
That means "any type of chokehold pressure that would restrict oxygen or airway," Roberts said.
Sgt. Andy Cree with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office said the agency's use-of-force policy is also stricter than what Indiana state law requires.
"We further define that as not only airway but also blood flow," said Cree.
MORE | Indiana transgender athlete ban draws increasing pushback
Both departments say dozens of hours are spent on use-of-force training whether that's in the classroom, practicing virtual scenarios or on-site learning pressure point techniques and more. They also focus on dealing with mental health.
"We all realize jail oftentimes isn't the appropriate place for all offenders," said Roberts.
Cree said more than 11,400 hours were spent on training from 2016 to 2018.
"Fom 2019-21 under Sheriff Goldsmith (it) has increased almost double to 27,350 hours," said Cree.
