Virginia Bans No-Knock Warrants, Limits Neck Restraints

Police in Virginia are prohibited from using no-knock search warrants under a bill signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam Wednesday.

The legislation (S.B. 5030) also limits the use of chokeholds by law enforcement personnel and includes several other policing reforms aimed at addressing racial bias and improving public trust. Virginia becomes the third state to ban no-knock warrants, joining Florida and Oregon.

“Too many families, in Virginia and across our nation, live in fear of being hurt or killed by police,” Northam (D) said in announcing he signed the measure and related bills. “Virginia is better, more ...