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FWPD Ends Use Of A Defensive Tactic

Barb Anguiano
/
WBOI

The Fort Wayne Police Department issued a general order last week temporarily suspending the use of the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint, or LVNR,  as a defensive technique for officers.

 

LVNR was introduced to Fort Wayne officers in the fall of 2014 and is meant as a response for officers to suspects resisting arrest.

 

FWPD Sgt. Juan Barrientes says since then, there have been no incidents during training, where officers learn the maneuver, nor in the nearly 50 times it was applied to suspects.

 

According to police officials, suspension of the LVNR comes after safety concerns during training among officers.

 

One officer sought medical attention after having the maneuver practiced on him. It’s still unknown whether the LVNR also caused issues for another officer.

 

The Fort Wayne Police Department says public and officer safety remains their top priority.