Chokeholds legal but dangerous territory

With over 30 years of martial arts training as a black-belt judo competitor and instructor, I am well aware of the serious nature of a chokehold. In a judo or MMA match, chokeholds are legal but are closely monitored by the referee. A contestant can tap out, or the referee will see the fighter going limp and unconscious and will stop the action immediately. The person will be repositioned to allow for blood flow and breathing to normalize. Medical assistance is always close at hand.

On the street it is a different story. If a forceful sustained chokehold is applied and not released in a timely manner, it can be fatal. Seconds count! Add to the grave situation the person's age, being overweight, deconditioned and any other medical issues such as heart or breathing problems, you have a recipe for disaster. Think of a chokehold as a tourniquet to the head - no oxygen or blood to the brain.

I sympathize with law enforcement and security personnel trying to do their job in situations involving the use of any force to subdue someone, be it a gun, Taser, mace, handcuffs or physical force. Most police departments prohibit chokeholds, but they are not illegal. The Chicago City Council is considering a proposed ban on the use of chokeholds. If chokeholds are used illegally or improperly, you know social unrest and lawsuits will follow.

Norb Duba

Arlington Heights