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New Training Begins For NYC Police After Eric Garner Chokehold Death

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The NYPD has started a new training on conflict resolution and use of force.

The training at the police academy started Monday with 50 instructors who will then teach officers. It comes in the wake of the death of Eric Garner in July following a police chokehold. NYPD spokesman Steve Davis said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton had planned to create the training before the incident.

The training right now is focused on conflict resolution in potentially dangerous situations, and also the escalation of situations with words. It will expand to include how to use force. Curriculum will be created by the NYPD, and lessons gleaned from the Los Angeles and Las Vegas police departments.

The NYPD hopes to start training patrol officers beginning next month.

Garner, a 43-year-old father of six, died after he had been stopped by police for allegedly selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

In cellphone video of the incident, an officer is seen placing his arm around Garner's neck and then taking him to the ground after Garner refuses to be handcuffed.

Garner is heard saying repeatedly, "I can't breathe!"

Officer Daniel Pantaleo, the cop who was seen on video placing Garner in the apparent chokehold, and another unidentified officer were placed on modified reassignment pending the outcome of the case.

Four emergency workers were suspended without pay pending an investigation.

The medical examiner's office ruled Garner's death a homicide, caused by the officer's chokehold as well chest and neck compressions and prone positioning "during physical restraint by police." Asthma, heart disease and obesity were contributing factors, the medical examiner said.

A grand jury is weighing evidence in the case. Garner's family plans to sue the city, the NYPD and Pantaleo for $75 million.

The NYPD also has been criticized over officers' handling of two recent incidents in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Last month, video surfaced of a cop throwing a pregnant woman onto the ground. The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the incident.

And another police officer was caught on video kicking a fruit vendor while police were holding him on the ground. The officer was suspended.

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