Minneapolis PD use-of-force trainer says Chauvin knee restraint never authorized

The top use-of-force trainer for the Minneapolis Police Department said Tuesday that Derek Chauvin’s knee restraint on George Floyd is not authorized — and never has been.

Lt. Johnny Mercil testified at Chauvin’s murder trial in Floyd’s death that, while the department allows neck restraints in certain situations, the ex-cop’s decision to keep his neck on the victim’s neck for more than 9 minutes is not allowed. “Sir, is this an MPD-trained neck restraint?” prosecutor Steve Schleicher asked.