Putnam County Sheriff directs Deputies to refrain from taking any actions in NYC

Putnam County Sheriff, Robert L. Langley JR, today issued the following statement regarding the recent passage of laws in New York City limiting NYPD police officers and their use of force to apprehend or detain suspects.

"Recently, NYC Mayor de Blasio signed Bills into law regarding the temporary restraint of a combative subject while being taken into custody and handcuffed. Some of these practices, such as kneeling on someone’s back, are a safe momentary restraint technique to minimize the movement of a combative subject and reduce the risk of injury to both the subject and law enforcement professional. These safe practices are now a crime in NYC and can no longer be utilized which creates a higher risk of injury to a combative suspect while effectuating a lawful arrest. In response to these new laws, the City of Yonkers, along with other Westchester County Police agencies, will prohibit their officers from entering the borders of NYC. In light of these events and for the protection of the members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, I have issued the following Directive effective immediately." (See attached Photo of Directive)

The directive reads, in part, "Given the likelihood that the restraint of a non-compliant person during the course of effectuating a lawful arrest often requires some type of pressure to the chest or back of a subject for a brief period of time and the new NYC administrative code section 10-181 criminalizes such actions," and "Effective immediately and until further notice, sworn members of the Department (PCSO)shall not conduct any enforcement activity within the confines of the City of New York"

The only exception to the directive is if a member of the department is picking up a prisoner already in the custody of another agency.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office joins several Westchester County Police Departments in either limiting or outright banning their officers from taking any enforcement activity within the New York City Limits after the NY City Council last week week passed Administrative Code 10-181 which reads, 

§ 10-181 Unlawful methods of restraint.

1. Unlawful methods of restraint. No person shall restrain an individual in a manner that restricts the flow of air or blood by compressing the windpipe or the carotid arteries on each side of the neck, or sitting, kneeling, or standing on the chest or back in a manner that compresses the diaphragm, in the course of effecting or attempting to effect an arrest.
2. Penalties. Any person who violates subdivision a of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both.
3. Any penalties resulting from a violation of subdivision a of this section shall not limit or preclude any cause of action available to any person or entity injured or aggrieved by such violation.