Salt Lake City mayor orders stricter use of force rules

Salt Lake City mayor orders stricter use of force rules

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Salt Lake City’s police department will implement stricter policies aimed at limiting the use of deadly force. Mayor Erin Mendenhall signed an executive order Monday directing police Chief Mike Brown to enact several new policy changes by Sept. 5. Previously, officers only needed to use “objectively reasonable” force, but under this order they must only use force when necessary and if it is proportionate to the situation. Under this order, officers will also be required to use deescalation tactics before using force. The announcement comes as protests against police brutality continue in nearby suburbs.