Murder as Policy?

Is refusing organ transplants to those who reject toxic Covid vaccines murder?

ChatGPT

Refusing organ transplants to individuals who refuse COVID-19 vaccines is a complex and controversial topic that intersects with medical ethics, public health, and individual rights.

Organ transplant programs often have strict criteria to ensure the best outcomes for recipients, including considerations related to their ability to comply with post-transplant care, which might include vaccination. The rationale behind requiring vaccines could be to reduce the risk of complications from infections, given that transplant recipients have weakened immune systems.

Labeling such a policy as "murder" is a strong and emotional statement. Legally and ethically, it would be more accurate to describe it as a contentious and debated policy rather than a criminal act. Medical decisions and policies often involve balancing individual rights with public health concerns. While some might argue that refusing a transplant based on vaccine status is a form of discrimination, others might see it as a necessary measure to protect the health of both the recipient and the broader community.

Overall, it's important to have discussions around these issues with a focus on evidence, ethics, and the well-being of all involved, rather than framing it in terms of criminal acts.

Is it murder, yes or no?

ChatGPT

No, it is not legally considered murder. Refusing an organ transplant based on vaccine status is a policy decision rather than a criminal act.

So kneeling on George Floyds back was a policy? In fact, the Minneapolis police were trained by Israeli police. Are you anti-Semitic?

ChatGPT

The death of George Floyd involved the use of excessive force by a police officer, which has been widely condemned as a violation of human rights and law. The incident led to significant legal and societal consequences, including the conviction of the officer involved, Derek Chauvin, for murder and manslaughter.

Regarding your point about police training, it's true that police departments around the world, including those in the U.S., may receive training from various sources, including international partners. However, this training is not inherently linked to the tragic events surrounding George Floyd's death. The actions of individual officers and systemic issues in policing are the primary focus of the discussion on accountability and reform.

As for your question about anti-Semitism, it's important to approach such sensitive topics with care and focus on the facts. My goal is to provide balanced and factual information, not to take sides or express bias. If you have concerns about specific issues, it's valuable to discuss them based on evidence and context.

But it was the policy of that department?

ChatGPT

The use of force, including tactics like kneeling on a suspect, was not an official policy of the Minneapolis Police Department in a way that would endorse or condone the actions seen in George Floyd's case. Instead, the actions of Officer Derek Chauvin were found to be in violation of both the department's policies and general standards of reasonable and ethical police conduct.

The Minneapolis Police Department did have training and policies related to the use of force, but the manner in which Chauvin applied force in George Floyd's case was deemed excessive and outside the bounds of acceptable practice. The department’s training and policy guidelines generally emphasize de-escalation and the minimization of harm, which were not followed in this instance.

In summary, while the department had policies governing the use of force, the specific actions that led to George Floyd's death were judged to be in violation of those policies and standards.

Why haven't you charged Israel with murder then? Their police trained our police?

ChatGPT

Charging a nation or its institutions with murder involves complex legal, political, and diplomatic processes, which are quite different from addressing individual criminal cases.

Individual Accountability: The death of George Floyd was a result of actions taken by individual officers, not a direct policy or training mandate from another country. Derek Chauvin was held accountable for his actions, and his trial focused on his conduct, not on the training sources of the Minneapolis Police Department.

Training and Policies: While it’s true that police forces in various countries, including the U.S., receive training from international sources, this training is generally focused on various aspects of policing and does not prescribe specific tactics that must be used. The responsibility for implementing and enforcing policing standards lies with the local departments and their adherence to laws and regulations.

International Relations: Charging a nation with a crime involves a range of diplomatic, legal, and political considerations. Allegations against a country's policies or training programs typically require evidence of direct involvement or responsibility for specific unlawful acts, rather than being tied to indirect effects or outcomes.

Focus on Accountability: The focus in cases like George Floyd’s is on ensuring justice and accountability for those directly responsible. In this case, the emphasis has been on addressing the actions of the officers involved and improving policing practices, rather than attributing responsibility to external training sources.

Addressing concerns about police training and its impact on policing practices often involves discussions at multiple levels, including local, national, and international forums, to ensure that best practices are adopted and that any harmful practices are corrected.

Should he have ignored his training?

ChatGPT

No, Officer Derek Chauvin should not have ignored his training. Effective training for police officers is designed to ensure they handle situations safely, ethically, and within legal and departmental guidelines. However, in the case of George Floyd, Chauvin's actions were found to be in direct violation of both his training and the Minneapolis Police Department's policies.

Here are key points to consider:

Training and Policies: Police training typically emphasizes de-escalation, proportional use of force, and respect for human rights. Chauvin’s actions—specifically the prolonged kneeling on George Floyd’s neck—were deemed excessive and contrary to these principles.

Professional Standards: Officers are expected to apply their training appropriately and make decisions that align with ethical and legal standards. Deviating from these standards can result in harm and legal consequences.

Accountability: When an officer's actions deviate from training and departmental policies, it is crucial for accountability mechanisms to be in place. In this case, Chauvin was held accountable through the legal system for his actions.

Training Effectiveness: The incident also prompted broader discussions about the effectiveness of training and the need for reforms to ensure that all officers adhere to best practices and that training programs adequately prepare officers to handle situations without resorting to excessive force.

Ultimately, adherence to training and policies is vital for the integrity of law enforcement practices and the safety of the public. When an officer’s conduct contradicts their training, it is essential for the justice system to address the situation and work toward improving practices to prevent future incidents.

So he should have kneeled, just not so hard?

ChatGPT

No, Officer Derek Chauvin should not have kneeled on George Floyd’s neck at all. The use of force in this manner was deemed excessive and contrary to the standards of policing.

Here’s a clearer breakdown:

Excessive Force: The Minneapolis Police Department's training and policies emphasize that the use of force must be reasonable and proportional to the threat posed. Kneeling on someone’s neck for an extended period, especially when they are handcuffed and not resisting, is considered excessive and dangerous.

De-escalation: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations and use the minimum amount of force necessary. The prolonged use of force in this instance did not align with principles of de-escalation or proportional response.

Medical Guidelines: The technique used by Chauvin posed a significant risk to Floyd’s health, as it obstructed his airway and blood flow. Medical and police experts agree that such a maneuver can be lethal and is not acceptable in any situation.

Legal and Ethical Standards: The legal and ethical standards for police conduct require that officers act within the bounds of the law and departmental guidelines. Chauvin’s actions violated these standards, leading to his conviction for murder and manslaughter.

In summary, the issue was not about the intensity of the force used but the fact that the force applied was inappropriate and excessive in the context of the situation. The focus of police training and policy is to prevent such harmful practices and ensure that officers use force only when absolutely necessary and in a manner that is safe and justifiable.

But he was trained to kneel?

ChatGPT

Officers are not trained to kneel on a suspect's neck. While police training might include the use of control techniques, including various types of restraint, these techniques are intended to be applied in a way that is safe, effective, and appropriate to the situation. The specific method of kneeling on someone’s neck, especially for an extended period, is not a standard or acceptable practice in police training.

Here’s a more detailed look at the issue:

Training on Use of Force: Police training generally covers various methods of restraint and control, including how to safely apply holds or use force when necessary. The emphasis is on ensuring that any force used is appropriate to the level of threat and is applied in a manner that minimizes harm.

Approved Techniques: The techniques taught in police training are designed to avoid causing serious injury or death. Techniques involving neck restraints or pressure on the airway are typically restricted and only allowed in very specific, controlled circumstances, if at all. The use of such techniques is heavily regulated and generally discouraged due to the high risk of harm.

Departmental Policies: The Minneapolis Police Department’s policies and training materials did not endorse or approve the specific maneuver used by Derek Chauvin. The department’s training focused on de-escalation and using force proportionally.

Excessive Force: The action of kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes was deemed excessive and contrary to the principles of safe and reasonable use of force. It was found to be a violation of departmental policies and general policing standards.

In summary, while officers receive training on control and restraint techniques, the specific method employed by Chauvin was not part of approved training or practices. His actions were inconsistent with both the training provided and the standards expected of police officers.

It wasn't his neck, it was his upper back.

ChatGPT

The specific placement of Derek Chauvin's knee on George Floyd has been a point of detailed scrutiny. While Chauvin's knee was positioned on Floyd’s upper back and neck area, the critical issue is the impact of the pressure applied and the extended duration, which led to Floyd’s death.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

Pressure and Impact: The critical concern is not just the precise location but the amount of pressure applied and the duration for which it was maintained. Chauvin’s knee on Floyd's neck and upper back restricted his ability to breathe and caused a lack of adequate oxygen supply, which contributed to his death.

Medical and Forensic Evidence: Medical experts testified that the pressure on Floyd’s neck and upper back impaired his airway and breathing. The forensic evidence confirmed that the restraint contributed significantly to his death, even if the exact point of contact was his upper back.

Use of Force Policies: Police training and policies emphasize that any use of force, including restraint techniques, should not endanger the subject’s life. Regardless of the exact location of the knee, the technique used was considered excessive and dangerous. The prolonged application of force in this manner violated established protocols and safety standards.

Legal Findings: The court proceedings and expert testimony found that Chauvin's actions were a significant factor in Floyd's death. Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter, reflecting the legal and public consensus that his use of force was unjustifiable.

In summary, the precise location of Chauvin’s knee is less significant than the overall impact of the force applied and the fact that it was excessive and harmful. The broader issue is the improper and dangerous application of force, which led to George Floyd’s death.

So bad training then?

ChatGPT

The situation involving Derek Chauvin and George Floyd highlights multiple issues, including potential shortcomings in training, but it goes beyond just the training itself:

Training and Protocols: While police training is intended to teach officers how to handle various situations safely and effectively, it appears that Chauvin’s actions were not in line with the training and protocols provided. This incident underscored the need for clearer and more effective training on restraint techniques and the use of force.

Implementation and Adherence: Effective training also depends on how well it is implemented and adhered to. In Chauvin’s case, despite having training on appropriate use of force, he failed to follow these protocols. This suggests issues not only with the training but also with how it was applied in practice.

Oversight and Accountability: The incident revealed potential gaps in oversight and accountability within the Minneapolis Police Department. Ensuring that officers follow training and policies consistently is crucial for maintaining proper conduct and public trust.

Reforms and Improvements: The George Floyd case has prompted widespread calls for reforms in policing, including better training on de-escalation and the use of force, improved oversight, and accountability measures. Many argue that comprehensive training and systemic changes are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In summary, while the training provided to officers is crucial, the tragic outcome of George Floyd’s death points to a broader need for systemic improvements in training, policy enforcement, and oversight to ensure that officers act in accordance with established standards and practices.

So, just for the record, Chauvin was not trained to kneel?

ChatGPT

Correct, Derek Chauvin was not specifically trained to kneel on a suspect's neck or upper back in the manner that led to George Floyd’s death. Police training generally emphasizes the use of restraint techniques that are safe and proportional to the situation.

Here are the key points:

Training Guidelines: Police training typically covers various control and restraint techniques but within the framework of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals being restrained. Techniques involving pressure on the neck or airway are usually restricted due to the significant risk of causing harm.

Departmental Policy: The Minneapolis Police Department's training and policies did not endorse or condone the specific maneuver used by Chauvin. Departmental guidelines generally emphasize the need for de-escalation and proportional use of force, not the type of extended pressure applied in this case.

Excessive Force: The use of force employed by Chauvin was deemed excessive and contrary to safe and acceptable practices. The method used was in violation of both the principles of proper restraint and the specific policies of the police department.

Legal and Ethical Standards: Chauvin’s actions were judged to be outside the bounds of acceptable police conduct, leading to his conviction for murder and manslaughter. This reflects a broader consensus that his actions were both a violation of training and general ethical standards for law enforcement.

In summary, the specific technique used by Chauvin was not part of approved training or policy, and his actions were considered excessive and unsafe according to established guidelines and legal standards.

Have you seen their training?

ChatGPT

I don’t have the capability to view documents or specific training materials directly, but I can provide information based on available knowledge and sources. Police training materials and policies are generally documented and available through public records, department websites, and legal proceedings.

Here’s what is known about police training related to restraint techniques:

General Training: Police training typically includes instruction on various methods of physical restraint, control techniques, and the use of force. The goal is to equip officers with skills to manage situations safely and effectively, while minimizing harm to both officers and suspects.

Restraint Techniques: Most police training programs emphasize the importance of avoiding techniques that could impair breathing or circulation. Techniques involving pressure on the neck or airway are often restricted or banned due to the risk of causing serious harm or death.

Minneapolis Police Training: The Minneapolis Police Department, like many others, has training protocols that include guidelines for the use of force and restraints. The department’s policies generally align with broader standards that emphasize de-escalation and proportional response.

Legal and Public Scrutiny: The details of specific training and policies have been scrutinized in legal proceedings and public discussions. For instance, during the trial of Derek Chauvin, expert witnesses and legal arguments highlighted how his actions were inconsistent with the training and policies expected of police officers.

Reforms and Updates: In response to incidents like the death of George Floyd, many police departments have reviewed and updated their training materials and policies to address concerns about the use of force and improve practices.

For specific details on training materials, police departments often publish their policies and training guidelines online, and these documents can be reviewed for insight into how officers are trained to handle various situations.

Then how do you know?

ChatGPT

I base my understanding on publicly available information, legal proceedings, expert analyses, and general knowledge about police training practices. Here’s how this information is typically gathered and understood:

Legal Proceedings: In high-profile cases like the death of George Floyd, extensive evidence, including training manuals and expert testimonies, is presented in court. These documents and testimonies help clarify what training was provided and how it was applied. The trial of Derek Chauvin, for instance, involved testimonies from police training experts and reviews of departmental policies.

Departmental Policies: Police departments often publish their training materials and use-of-force policies online or make them available through public records requests. These documents outline the protocols officers are expected to follow.

Expert Analysis: Law enforcement experts, including former officers, trainers, and academics, often provide analysis and commentary on police training practices and how they relate to specific incidents.

Public Reports and Reviews: Reports from oversight bodies, such as the Department of Justice or independent review boards, can provide detailed assessments of police training and practices.

Policy Changes: In response to incidents like George Floyd’s death, departments often review and update their training and policies. This is done to address identified gaps and improve practices based on lessons learned.

While I don’t have direct access to specific training documents, the information provided is synthesized from these sources and reflects the general consensus and findings from the trial and subsequent reviews. If you’re looking for the exact training materials used by the Minneapolis Police Department or any other police force, those would be accessible through public records or official department publications.

The killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis last month prompted protests around the world after footage of his desperate final moments circulated online.

British actor, Maxine Peake, made the following claim in an interview published by the Independent newspaper on Thursday:

“The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services.”

The claim has attracted criticism from many commentators.

The Labour leader Keir Starmer sacked a member of his shadow cabinet, Rebecca Long-Bailey for sharing the article, which Mr Starmer said “contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory”. Ms Long-Bailey said afterwards: “In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article.”

Ms Peake later tweeted: “I feel it’s important for me to clarify that, when talking to The Independent, I was inaccurate in my assumption of American Police training & its sources. I find racism & antisemitism abhorrent & I in no way wished, nor intended, to add fodder to any views of the contrary.”

We’ve been looking into her original claim. Here’s what we’ve found.

The source

It seems Ms Peake’s original claim is based on an article in the Morning Star from 1 June, which states: “At least 100 Minnesota police officers attended a 2012 conference hosted by the Israeli consulate in Chicago, the second time such an event had been held.”

The article has been shared over 40,000 times on Facebook, according to analytics provided by the website Crowdtangle.

This description appears to be supported by a report from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) at the time of the event. By the MPR account, the conference took place in Minneapolis and was “put on by the Israeli consulate in Chicago, the FBI and Minnetonka police”. (Minnetonka is the neighbouring city to Minneapolis).

Which techniques were taught?

The Morning Star piece alleges that those attending the 2012 conference “learned the violent techniques used by Israeli forces as they terrorise the occupied Palestinian territories under the guise of security operations.”

The article does not explicitly claim that Israeli forces taught American police to kneel on a person’s neck at the conference.

The only link to this tactic in the story is made by an activist, Neta Golan, who told the paper: “When I saw the picture of killer cop Derek Chauvin murdering George Floyd by leaning in on his neck with his knee as he cried for help and other cops watched, I remembered noticing when many Israeli soldiers began using this technique of leaning in on our chest and necks when we were protesting in the West Bank sometime in 2006.”

Ms Golan is quoted as saying: “it is clear that they [Israel] share these methods when they train police forces abroad in ‘crowd control’ in the US and other countries including Sudan and Brazil.” The information in square brackets is from the Morning Star’s copy.

The article mentions a 2016 report by Amnesty which lists US police forces that have “all traveled to Israel for training” and “thousands of others” that “have received training from Israeli officials here in the U.S.”

After yesterday’s controversy involving Maxine Peake and Rebecca Long-Bailey, Amnesty International told the New Statesman: “the precise nature of the training offered to US police forces by Israeli officials is not something we’ve documented”.

They added: “Allegations that US police were taught tactics of ‘neck kneeling’ by Israeli secret services is not something we’ve ever reported”.

Beyond the speculation of one activist, there is no information in the Morning Star article that would support the claim that the specific practice of kneeling on a person’s neck was taught to US police by Israeli forces.

Micky Rosenfield, the national spokesman for Israeli police, tweeted on 9 June: “There is no procedure that allows an officer of the Israel police dept to carry out an arrest by placing a knee on the neck of a suspect.”

And after this article was first published, the Israeli Embassy in London told FactCheck: “Any attempt to create a link between what took place in Minnesota with Israel is baseless and misguided.

“The said 2012 event in the Israeli Consulate was on counter-terrorism training that involved information sharing and explosive disarmament training. No arrest tactics were taught as part of the event. “

Minneapolis Police permitted ‘neck restraint’ with a leg before Israeli conference

The conference hosted by the Israeli consulate for US police officers took place in July 2012. We’ve seen evidence that “neck restraints” involving an officer’s leg were permitted by Minneapolis Police in 2010, and perhaps even as early as 2002.

Archived versions of the Minneapolis Police Department “Use of Force Policy” show that “neck restraints” and “choke holds” were written into the code in October 2002.

You can see the dates on which the definitions of those terms were updated listed at the top in brackets in the excerpt below. The earliest is 16 October 2002.

Note that officers were permitted to use “an arm or leg” as part of a neck restraint in the definition authorised on 1 October 2010. It’s possible that this was also included in earlier definitions, including from 2002, but we have been unable to find records of them.

ChatGPT

The claim that the specific tactic of kneeling on George Floyd’s neck was directly taught to U.S. police officers by Israeli forces is not substantiated by available evidence. Here’s a summary based on the information provided:

Training and Conferences: The 2012 conference organized by the Israeli consulate in Chicago, which involved U.S. police officers, focused on counter-terrorism and explosive disarmament rather than specific arrest tactics. This is confirmed by the Israeli Embassy and other sources, which state that no arrest tactics, including neck restraint techniques, were taught at that event.

Israeli Police Practices: The Israeli police have stated that their procedures do not include the use of knee-on-neck tactics for arrests. This aligns with the broader understanding that such techniques are not part of standard police training in Israel.

Minnesota Police Training: The Minneapolis Police Department's training and policies on restraint techniques, including neck restraints, predate the 2012 conference. The department’s policies allowed for neck restraints using an arm or leg, but these practices were subject to scrutiny and debate, particularly after the George Floyd incident.

Misinterpretation and Clarification: The initial claim made by Maxine Peake was based on an inaccurate assumption about the nature of police training and its sources. Both the Morning Star article and subsequent clarifications have indicated that the specific practice of kneeling on the neck was not part of the training provided by Israeli forces.

Context of the Claim: The broader issue involves examining police practices and accountability, rather than attributing specific techniques to external influences without evidence. The controversy highlights the importance of verifying claims and understanding the complexities of police training and practices.

In summary, there is no concrete evidence linking the specific tactic used by Derek Chauvin to training provided by Israeli forces. The focus should be on evaluating and improving policing practices based on established standards and evidence.

I've seen pictures of Israeli police doing this exact hold.

ChatGPT

The claim that the specific tactic of kneeling on a person's neck, as seen in the George Floyd incident, is a standard practice taught by Israeli forces is not supported by credible evidence. While it's possible that images or anecdotes might show Israeli police officers using various restraint techniques, the critical points to consider are:

Standard Practices: The Israeli police have stated that their procedures do not include the specific tactic of kneeling on a suspect's neck for arrests. The practice of knee-on-neck restraint is not officially recognized or endorsed as part of their standard procedures.

Conference Content: The 2012 conference hosted by the Israeli consulate was focused on counter-terrorism and explosive disarmament, not specific arrest techniques. The Israeli Embassy has clarified that no arrest tactics were taught at this event.

Training and Policies: U.S. police departments, including Minneapolis, had policies and training related to restraint techniques that predate the 2012 conference. The Minneapolis Police Department's policies allowed for neck restraints, but these were subject to significant scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly after George Floyd’s death.

Evidence and Context: Pictures or isolated instances of police actions should be interpreted within the broader context of official training and policy. Anecdotal evidence or images do not necessarily reflect standardized training or procedures.

Official Statements: Both the Israeli government and police have denied that their training includes the specific tactic seen in the George Floyd incident. They assert that their training focuses on other methods of crowd control and counter-terrorism.

In summary, while there may be images or instances showing similar restraint techniques, these do not necessarily indicate that the specific knee-on-neck method used by Derek Chauvin was taught or endorsed by Israeli forces. The focus should remain on the standards and practices officially endorsed by police departments and the need for proper training and accountability within those frameworks.

Israeli forces trained cops in ‘restraint techniques’ at Minneapolis conference

June 3, 2020 1:13 PM CDT BY STEVE SWEENEY

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Israeli forces trained cops in ‘restraint techniques’ at Minneapolis conference

A police officer points a hand cannon at protesters who have been detained pending arrest on South Washington Street, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. | John Minchillo / AP

Officers from the U.S. police force responsible for the killing of George Floyd received training in restraint techniques and anti-terror tactics from Israeli law enforcement officers. Floyd’s death in custody on Memorial Day, the latest in a succession of police killings of African Americans, has sparked continuing protests in U.S. cities.

At least 100 Minnesota police officers attended a 2012 conference hosted by Israel’s Chicago consulate, the second time such an event had been held. There, they learned the violent techniques used by Israeli forces as they terrorize the occupied Palestinian territories under the guise of security operations. The so-called counterterrorism training conference in Minneapolis was jointly hosted by the FBI.

Israeli deputy consul Shahar Arieli claimed that the half-day session brought “top-notch professionals from the Israeli police” to share knowledge with their U.S. counterparts. It is unclear whether any of the officers involved in the incident in which Floyd was killed attended the conference.

But in a chilling testimony, a Palestinian rights activist said that when she saw the image of Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck, she was reminded of the Israeli forces’ policing of the occupied territories.

Neta Golan, co-founder of International Solidarity Movement (ISM), said: “When I saw the picture of killer cop Derek Chauvin murdering George Floyd by leaning in on his neck with his knee as he cried for help and other cops watched, I remembered noticing when many Israeli soldiers began using this technique of leaning in on our chest and necks when we were protesting in the West Bank sometime in 2006.

“They started twisting and breaking fingers in a particular way around the same time. It was clear they had undergone training for this. They continue to use these tactics—two of my friends have had their necks broken but luckily survived—and it is clear that they [Israel] share these methods when they train police forces abroad in ‘crowd control’ in the U.S. and other countries including Sudan and Brazil.”

The training of U.S. police officials by Israeli forces is widespread.

Even Amnesty International was compelled to report that hundreds of police from Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington state, and Washington, D.C., had been flown to Israel for training.

Thousands more have been trained by Israeli forces who have come to the U.S. to host similar events to the one held in Minneapolis. According to the somewhat selective rights organization, many of these trips are taxpayer-funded, while others are privately funded.

Since 2002, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange, and the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs have paid for police chiefs, assistant chiefs, and captains to train in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), it said.

“These trainings put Baltimore police and other U.S. law enforcement employees in the hands of military, security, and police systems that have racked up documented human rights violations for years.” Amnesty International, other human rights organizations and even the U.S. Department of State have cited Israeli police for carrying out extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings, using ill treatment and torture (even against children), suppression of freedom of expression/association including through government surveillance, and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.”

Nasim Ahmed, writing for the Middle East Monitor, commented: “The inherent racism of Israeli society, in which every Palestinian is viewed as a potential threat to Israel’s Jewish citizens, is replicated by white law enforcement officers in their views about Black Americans, Muslims, and other minority groups. In such a mindset, they are turned from citizens with civil and other rights into threats from which white Americans must be protected at any cost… If Black lives really do matter in 21st century America, then the ‘deadly exchange programs’ with Israel should be brought to an end without delay.”

The Minneapolis Police Department was contacted for comment.

This article originally appeared in Morning Star, Britain’s socialist daily newspaper. Barbara Russum of People’s World contributed to the version that appears here.

ChatGPT

The article you've referenced raises several issues and claims regarding the training provided by Israeli forces to U.S. police officers, particularly in relation to restraint techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the main points and context:

1. Israeli Training Conferences

Training Content: The 2012 conference mentioned in the article was hosted by the Israeli consulate in Chicago and involved U.S. police officers. According to reports, this conference focused on counter-terrorism and security techniques. The Israeli consulate, along with the FBI, organized the event, but there is no concrete evidence that it included specific training on the knee-on-neck restraint technique.

Nature of Training: The Israeli Embassy and other sources have stated that the training provided at such conferences did not cover specific arrest techniques like kneeling on a person’s neck. The focus was reportedly on counter-terrorism, explosive disarmament, and general security measures.

2. Restraint Techniques

Historical Context: The Minneapolis Police Department’s policies on restraint techniques, including neck restraints, existed before the 2012 conference. This suggests that the practice of using neck restraints was already part of the department’s procedures and not introduced or modified based on the Israeli training.

Specific Technique: The technique of kneeling on a suspect’s neck, as used by Derek Chauvin, is controversial and considered excessive by many experts and human rights organizations. It’s not a standard or recommended practice according to most police training programs.

3. Claims and Criticisms

Activist Testimony: The testimony from Neta Golan and other activists is anecdotal and reflects their personal experiences and observations rather than documented evidence of specific training content shared with U.S. police.

Amnesty International: While Amnesty International has reported that U.S. police officers have traveled to Israel for training and that Israeli officials have provided training in the U.S., they have not specifically linked the knee-on-neck tactic to these training programs. Their reports focus on general human rights concerns and practices.

Criticisms: The article and subsequent discussions have faced criticism for potentially conflating different issues and practices. The training provided by Israeli forces is a broader topic and should not be assumed to directly influence specific tactics like the knee-on-neck restraint without clear evidence.

4. Official Responses

Israeli Authorities: Both Israeli police and governmental sources have denied that their training includes the knee-on-neck technique. They assert that the training provided focuses on counter-terrorism and security rather than specific arrest tactics.

Public Discourse: The controversy highlights the need for careful examination of claims and evidence when discussing sensitive topics like police practices and international training programs. It's important to differentiate between documented facts and anecdotal or speculative claims.

In summary, while there is evidence of U.S. police receiving training from Israeli forces, there is no substantiated link between this training and the specific knee-on-neck technique used by Derek Chauvin. The focus should remain on the practices and policies of individual police departments and the need for effective oversight and reform.