CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is making sweeping changes to its use of force policy.
The differences are described in detail in more than a dozen pages. The new policy clearly defines de-escalation. It also offers examples of when use of force is reasonable, and it requires officers to render medical assistance.
It comes after a series of high profile officer-involved shootings like the one in the parking lot of a west Charlotte Burger King last March.
Meko McCarthy told NBC Charlotte these changes are long overdue.
"It shows progress," she said. "It gives you a little hope."
Eight years ago, her son, Lareko Williams, was killed by CMPD officers. Since then, and other community members have been fighting for change.
"The only thing we can do is push for good policy, hold people accountable," a man said.
The use of force policy is now known as CMPD's response to resistance. While it won't stop an officer from using deadly force when reasonably necessary, it now gives more examples of when force is needed.
"A gun is a game-changer," said CMPD Chief Kerr Putney. "But the split-second decision that a reasonable officer has to make, this policy is not gonna change that."
For the first time, the policy clearly defines de-escalation and makes it the ultimate goal of every encounter.
"It's in writing, and we have to stand by it so the community can hold us accountable to it," Putney said.
The community is vowing to do that. One of the biggest changes they wanted was a duty to intervene.
If an officer does use force, he or she is now required to render medical aid.
Putney said the policy change is for every person who lost their life and for every person the police are sworn to protect.
"All of them have an impact," he said. "We're saying sanctity of life is paramount."
Putney called the policy a working and breathing document. He said he wants the public's input, and they will continue to re-evaluate and look to make the department the best it can possibly be.