Local police agencies react to president’s executive order

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and the Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) does not condone the use of unnecessary force.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday on police reform to bridge the divide between citizens and law enforcement.

Sgt. Lori Franklin, Public Information Officer with the Yuma Police Department says they won't have to make many adjustments in terms of policy.

"In reference to the chokehold or the carotid hold, that has not been in the Yuma Police Department's policy," Franklin said. "The only time that would ever be used is in a life or death situation, and then, you know, that's what it is. It's life or death."

Lt. Samuel Pavlak, Public Information Officer with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office says there are very minimal circumstances where force is needed.

"Through verbal communication alone and deescalate those instances substantially before force is even considered," Pavlak said.

YPD and YCSO already have a checks and balances system to prevent incidents of excessive force. They say, any violations of these agency's policy guidelines will result in corrective action.

Additionally, each officer is equipped with body cameras and are activated when an officer engages in a struggle.

President Trump's executive order also includes a national database, managed by the Attorney General, that tracks officers with multiple misconduct reports.

"Under this Executive Order departments will also need to share of information about credible abuses, so that officers with significant issues do not simply move from one police department to the next," President Trump explained.

YPD and YCSO say they won't have to make too many adjustments to comply with the executive order.