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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Columbus Police officers who respond to non-violent protests will have to change their strategies, according to new legislation passed by City Council on Monday.
Officers will no longer be allowed to use chemical agents, rubber bullets, or physical force on demonstrators who are non-violent. That includes those blocking a road.
Officers will also have to display their name and badge number on their tactical gear, if they are assigned to a demonstration.
The use of tactical vehicles, like SWAT "bearcats", is also restricted under the new legislation.
The city recently settled with several protesters who were injured by Columbus Police officers, in the demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.