Lamont McClure recently ordered a review of policies for the Sheriff’s Department and the Northampton County Prison on the use of non-deadly force in regards to chokeholds and carotid-holds.

“The Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriff’s academy does not teach chokeholds,” says Sheriff Richard Johnston. “Our defensive tactics instructors teach the use of pressure points to gain compliance.”

The Sheriff’s policy concerning the use of non-deadly force (Section IV, part E) has been edited and now reads “The use of neck restraint control techniques are prohibited.” Previously, that section read, “The use of neck restraint control techniques are prohibited unless the NCSD member using them has been trained by a certified instructor in this type of force.”

Corrections Officers at the Northampton County Prison are not taught any chokeholds in their training at the academy. Instructors focus on teaching communication skills and pressure point holding techniques through the Integrated Use of Force Model.