The Boise Police Department has spent decades working toward a community policing model and operates under a list of guiding principles. One of those guiding principles is service. The definition says in part that BPD will embrace community input.
For this reason, the Boise Police Department is suspending the use a vascular neck restraint technique called a Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint (LVNR). There have never been any deaths or serious injuries associated with BPD’s use of the LVNR technique, and it is not a “chokehold,” as it is not intended or designed to obstruct a subject’s airway, but based on a number of factors, including community input, we have decided to discontinue its use at this time. This moratorium will allow BPD to explore options, retrain as necessary, and update our policy.
The Boise Police Department is committed to reviewing our policies regularly and will provide updates on any additional changes related to use of force. We will also continue to have meaningful conversations with our community and work toward a better future together.
BPD’s Guiding Principles
Safety: Preserve life, protect property, and respect constitutional rights while enforcing the law with fairness and impartiality. Safety is of paramount importance in all aspects of our work.
Service: Provide courteous police service. Embrace community input and involvement to enhance public safety, prevent and solve crime, and address quality of life issues. Exceed our customers’ expectations for service.
Leadership: Strive to maintain the proud tradition of our past while meeting the challenges of our future. Believe in doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reasons.
Accountability: Operate openly, maintaining public trust and confidence. Make decisions in the best interest of the community we serve. Be courageous, fair, and decisive.
Professionalism: Demonstrate professionalism and uphold the law treating everyone with respect and dignity. Uphold the highest ethical standards. Demonstrate honesty and integrity in our words and in our actions.
Creativity: Provide an individualized and innovative approach to each situation. Seek employee input to continuously improve our practices, programs, and services.
