Waltham Police Department Amends Use Of Force Policy

WALTHAM, MA — Questions concerning police brutality following the death of George Floyd and the handling of protesters have prompted Waltham police to weigh in on how well they're meeting the "8 Can't Wait" guidelines.

An initiative of the Project Zero, an organization associated with Black Lives Matter, 8 Can't Wait is a national campaign urging law enforcement agencies to adopt eight policies limiting the use of force, including banning choke and strangle holds, requiring warnings before shootings, using de-escalation techniques and transparency through comprehensive reporting.

Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson said his department is already largely following all of the recommendations, but indicated he plans to amend the department's use of force policy.

"In light of all recent events and growing community concern, The Waltham Police Department has initiated an earnest and targeted review of the pertinent Departmental directives to identify potential deficiencies and implement strategic change," said MacPherson in a statement Tuesday. "Specifically, we are in the process of amending our Use of Force policy to reinforce our current training and to provide additional guidance regarding the eight important considerations outlined."

The campaign tracks every major city in the nation, taking note of the 8 Can't Wait guidelines their police departments have adopted. Waltham follows area police departments including Somerville and Boston in communicating steps they've taken to follow the policies. Cambridge also recently announced it is now requiring officers to intervene in instances of excessive force.

The eight policies:

• Ban choke holds and strangle holds
• Require de-escalation
• Require warning before shooting
• Require exhausts all alternatives before shooting
• Duty to intervene
• Ban shooting at moving vehicles
• Require use of force continuum
• Require comprehensive reporting

Project Zero said research has shown police departments that adopt these eight policies could decrease police violence by 72 percent, but also called the policies "useful steps on the path towards a collective goal" to end police violence.

See the full statement by the Waltham police Chief:

Read more:

• Waltham Residents Hold Silent Black Lives Matter ...

• Black Lives Matter Protest Draws Crowd To Waltham Common ...
• State Rep Tom Stanley: Speaking Out Together To End Racism
• Waltham Police Chief Speaks Out Against Death Of George Floyd
• Waltham City Council Eyes Black Lives Matter Resolution ...
• More Than 1,000 March In Waltham Rally Against Racism
• Waltham Committee Supports Black Lives Matter Resolution

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.