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A police officer can be cleared for a shooting in a deadly-force fight, but still face prison for trying to control a suspect without firing a gun. That’s the core contradiction we dig into with retired NYPD Lieutenant John Macara and host of NYPD Unfiltered.

We walk through the NYPD’s staffing and morale spiral: fewer applicants, faster exits, and a “10 is the new 20” mindset that turns a once-proud career into a short stop before the next job. We also talk about how constant body camera review, social media outrage, and leadership-driven risk avoidance change decision-making in real time, and why that pressure cooker is shaping the next wave of retention and officer wellness problems.

Then we get specific about NYC Local Law 10181, often branded as a “chokehold” or “diaphragm” law, and why it creates confusion between a true chokehold and a lateral vascular neck restraint (LVNR). John breaks down the Omar Habib case, why the law can be enforced arbitrarily, and how criminalizing practical control tactics can unintentionally increase the likelihood of deadly force incidents. We also discuss who is speaking up, who is staying silent, and why the precedent matters far beyond New York.

If you care about police reform that actually improves public safety, use-of-force policy that matches reality, and leadership that protects both communities and officers, you’ll want to hear this one.

Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway: what should the law allow officers to do in a fight for their lives?

We encourage you to contact our partner, Functional Medical Institute, for your wellness and health needs.

Owned and operated by law enforcement, Dr. Yates credits the FMI team for his successful wellness journey.

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