Denver Police Department Bans Chokeholds and Makes Other UOF Policy Changes

June 8, 2020

The Denver Police Department on Sunday announced changes to the department's use-of-force policies, banning chokeholds and requiring officers to report any incident in which they point a sidearm at an individual. Further, the new policies will require all SWAT operators to activate their body-worn cameras while executing tactical operations.

According to the Denver Post , the department issued a press release announcing the changes, which come as demonstrators continue to protest the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May.

The police department said it was making the changes "in an effort to maintain the highest level of public accountability."

The new ban on chokeholds is a full prohibition on carotid-artery compression techniques and includes no exceptions.

Topics:Command Staff Use-of-Force Policies Policy policies & procedures the west Colorado agencies Colorado Police Chiefs patrol Procedures & Policies

More Procedures & Policies

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Sponsored•by David Reeder•October 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Two police officers in tactical vests, demonstrating emerging law enforcement technology

Ebook: How Data-Driven Policing Strengthens Transparency and Public Trust

Whether your department is focused on improving transparency or rebuilding community confidence, this ebook offers real examples and practical strategies to help. Learn how data-driven insights and modern fleet technologies can strengthen accountability, support officer safety, and enhance public trust.

Procedures & Policies•April 29, 2025

Trump Issues Executive Order He Says Will Help Police Fight Crime

“My Administration is steadfastly committed to empowering State and local law enforcement to firmly police dangerous criminal behavior and protect innocent citizens,” Trump said.

Patrol•January 15, 2025

NYPD Restricts Vehicle Pursuits to Suspects Wanted for Serious Crimes

The revamped policy, which takes effect Feb. 1, bars police from pursuing suspects for traffic infractions, violations or non-violent misdemeanors, police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Patrol•February 5, 2024

NYPD Going “Old School” with Uniform, Facial Hair Policy

“It’s absolutely ludicrous that you have an officer with pink hair and nails longer than their fingers,” one Manhattan officer said. “We’re a police department not a hip hop department. Let’s go back to being police officers.”

Procedures & Policies•January 26, 2024

AZ POST Considers Revision to Marijuana Rules for Recruits

“My recommendation for your consideration is we go for a six-month window,” said Matt Giordano, executive director. “We would go to six months of the last use.

Point of Law•by Kevin R. Madison•January 24, 2024

Time to Change Our Pursuit Policies

Complicated guidelines that require officers to make decisions during the heat of the moment are not working.

Point of Law•January 17, 2024

Baltimore Police Complying with Key Consent Decree Requirements, DOJ Says

If the court grants the motion, BPD must maintain compliance with the provisions for one year before the court can terminate these sections of the consent decree.

Point of Law•January 17, 2024

Study Finds Consent Decrees Onerous, Ineffective, and Often Harmful

The report concludes: “When a consent decree is truly warranted, it must focus on the most urgent concerns. The violations should be clearly identified and fully supported by rigorous evidence."

View All →