This bill amends N.J.S.2C:3-11 to explicitly classify the act of a law enforcement officer using a choke-hold as deadly force. The new legal language states that if an officer knowingly applies pressure to another person's throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, thereby hindering their ability to breathe or disrupting blood flow to the brain, it constitutes the use of deadly force. This change aims to clarify the definition of deadly force in the context of law enforcement actions.

Additionally, the bill reinforces that the use of deadly force by law enforcement is only justified in specific circumstances, such as protecting oneself or others from death or serious bodily injury, arresting a violent criminal, or preventing a violent crime. By establishing that choking is considered deadly force, the bill seeks to ensure that officers are held to a higher standard and are not justified in using such force unless faced with a life-threatening situation.