CPD officers ordered to undergo training about asphyxiation, watch George Floyd video

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown has ordered all Chicago Police officers to undergo mandatory training on “positional asphyxiation” in light of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“I want to make it clear that this behavior is not acceptable in Chicago, will not be tolerated under my command, and quite frankly has no place in law enforcement anywhere,” Brown said in a statement Thursday.

“The Chicago Police Department has been working very hard to develop authentic relationships and restore trust with our communities, and the actions that led to George Floyd’s death certainly make our job more difficult.”

Brown said he’s also ordered all officers under his command to watch the now-infamous video that showed Floyd’s last minutes of life.

The CPD’s operational directives handbook states officers must position an arrestee “in a manner to allow free breathing. Whenever feasible, the subject will not be forced to lie on his or her stomach.”

Floyd died this week after he was taken into custody by officers in Minneapolis. Video captured by a bystander shows an officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck for several minutes while Floyd, lying facedown on the pavement, repeatedly tells the officer he can’t breathe. Floyd’s death has sparked days of violent protests and looting.

The four officers involved in his death have been fired.