Ordinances call on police to report misconduct, avoid use of neck restraints and deadly force

ATLANTA – At their June 17, 2020 meeting, Fulton County Commissioners approved legislation requiring officers working for three Fulton County law enforcement agencies (Fulton County Police, Fulton County Marshals, and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office) to avoid the use of neck restraints of suspects and deadly force against suspects.

The legislation regarding the use of deadly force calls on Fulton County’s Chief of Police, Sheriff, and Marshal to reinforce and create policies, training, practices, and a culture which support the de-escalation of the use of force.

Incidents of the use of this technique by these agencies would be thoroughly investigated, and if they violate the letter or spirit of the law, would result in punishment up to and including termination of employment, recommendation of loss of law enforcement certification, and reporting of potential criminal activity to the Fulton County District Attorney.

Fulton County law enforcement agencies are also encouraged by the Board of Commissioners to report “each and every incident of potential misconduct, including but not limited to the use of excessive force and the potential violation of any law to their superior officers as soon as possible.”

The legislation also seeks to encourage cities in Fulton County to adopt similar measures regarding the actions of their law enforcement officers and calls on the Georgia General Assembly to enact laws dealing with deadly force, neck restraints, and police misconduct.