IMMEDIATE ADOPTION
Number
200215
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. STAMPER, COGGS, RAINEY, LEWIS, DODD, HAMILTON, PEREZ, KOVAC, JOHNSON, BAUMAN, BORKOWSKI, DIMITRIJEVIC AND ZAMARRIPA
Title
Resolution urging the Fire and Police Commission to adopt a policy addressing the "I can't breathe" plea by an individual who is under police custody.
Analysis
This resolution urges that the Fire and Police Commission adopt a policy regarding a plea from any person under police custody stating that the individual is unable to breathe or any indication that the individual is unable to breathe. The policy should include a requirement that when a person states that he or she cannot breathe, police officers must ask whether the person needs medical attention.
Body
Whereas, On May 25, 2020, George Floyd stated “I can’t breathe” and died after he was put in a chokehold by a Minneapolis police officer; and
Whereas, On July 22, 2014, Eric Garner stated “I can’t breathe” while being placed in a chokehold by arresting New York City police officers and died from his injuries; and
Whereas, In July of 2011, Derek Williams died in police custody after having difficulty breathing for approximately 15 minutes, which was captured on squad car video; and
Whereas, Milwaukee Police Department officers testifying at the inquest for Williams’s death stated that suspects often “fake” a medical problem to “try to get away”; and
Whereas, The deaths of these men in addition to many other men and women in police custody prove that these medical issues were not faked and indicate excessive force; and
Whereas, It is essential to preserve every individual’s constitutional rights to life and to due process; and
Whereas, Allowing police officers to use excessive force without consequence erodes the public trust in those who are charged with enforcing laws and preserving public safety; and
Whereas, Incidents of excessive force resulting in death are not isolated and continue to ...
Click here for full text