‘Choke holds banned many years’

Rockdale police don’t use choke holds, they’ve been banned for many years and they are specifically prohibited in writing and policy.

That’s the word from Police Chief Jerry Meadors, one of three city officials who issued public statements Friday.

Also making comment to the public were City Manager Barbara Holly and Mayor John King.

POLICY—Meadors is in his first month as Rockdale chief, but noted the city has a long-standing policy against the kind of tactic which resulted in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.

“The Rockdale Police Department has policies that have been in place for many years on the use of force and limitations on force,” Meadors said.

“In Section 6.1, Article V, our policy clearly states, ‘Application of choke holds or carotid control holds are prohibited’.”

Meadors also said: “The fundamental duty of law enforcement is to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of race.”

CITY MANAGER—Barbara Holly is in her first month as “official” city manager, although she has been serving as in that role in an interim capacity since the departure of Chris Whittaker in March.

Her statement follows:

“Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and all other families who have had to face similar tragedies. On behalf of and with the members of my office, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family, friends and his community.

“As leaders of the community, it is our job to recognize a system that might be broken and work towards a means of repair.

“As leaders, we encourage constructive dialogue and genuine engagement with one another as we decide together how we—as a community—make our city a better place.

“Let our collective efforts reflect the community we strive to be as we honor those who have gone before, those who are here today and those to come.”

MAYOR—“What happened was a disaster and obviously wrong,” Mayor John King said.

“Everyone needs to be treated with respect. All lives matter and everyone should be treated equally,” he added.