The City of Milwaukee Common Council passed a resolution Tuesday urging the Fire and Police Commissioners to adopt standard operating procedures prohibiting certain types of restraints like chokeholds.
The legislation was introduced after the death of Joel Acevedo at the hands of an off-duty Milwaukee Police officer in April.
“The incident that led to Joel Acevedo losing his life was tragic, and unfortunately is part of a systemic issue that impacts communities of color at a higher rate,” said Alderwoman Zamarripa.
Investigators say 32-year-old Michael Mattioli is responsible for the death of Joel Acevedo and is now facing a charge of reckless homicide. They say Mattioli put Joel in a chokehold that went too far.
“Chokeholds and strangleholds frequently result in death or serious injury, and even if the Milwaukee Police Department does not actively train these restraints a formal policy banning them would be of great value to the community,” Zamarripa said.
The matter is expected to be addressed by the Fire and Police Commission in the coming weeks.
