Chokeholds Banned, No-Knock Warrants Limited by DOJ Guidance

The Justice Department limited federal use of no-knock warrants, a significant criminal justice reform issue that became more prevalent following the death of Breonna Taylor last summer.

The same order also banned the use of chokeholds by federal agents.

The Department of Justice changes announced Tuesday narrowed the justification for obtaining a no-knock warrant to instances where officers’ physical safety is at stake. Under the new policy, officers would have to get approval from a federal prosecutor and higher ranking officers in their department before asking a judge for a no-knock warrant.

Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman ...