An incident in which a police officer reportedly tasered a 95-year-old woman with dementia has left the community distressed and authorities investigating. Clare Nowland, a great-grandmother and resident of Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, New South Wales, is in critical condition in hospital after being tasered by a senior constable who had been called to the home by care staff responding to reports of a resident with a knife. The police officer, who has not been identified beyond being a senior constable with 12 years of experience, has been taken off duty while investigations continue.
Police and paramedics attempted to negotiate with Mrs. Nowland for several minutes, urging her to drop the knife, but she refused and the officer discharged the Taser. The injury she suffered as a result of hitting her head on the floor during the incident has left her bedridden at the moment. It remains unclear what events prompted the use of the Taser on Mrs. Nowland, who is described as having good and bad days as is typical for a dementia patient. She is a mere 43 kilograms and measures 5-foot-2, and was using a walking frame at the time of the incident.
Tasers have often been used as a non-lethal alternative to firearms in policing situations, however, they have faced criticism because they can also be dangerous. Mrs. Nowland’s case is just one example of potentially improper usage. The decision to use a shock device on someone in a vulnerable state has prompted an outpouring of public condemnation. Community advocate Andrew Thaler, who is assisting the family, has expressed his dismay and stated that police officers should have used kindness and assistance rather than the force of the law.
The incident has sparked a high-level internal investigation into the conduct and actions of the police officers involved. The use of Tasers is reserved for rare and extreme cases, making this particular incident all the more concerning. Footage from the body cameras worn by the police officers has not been released to the public, which has caused additional concern among the public and watchdogs. Tasers are classified as a less-lethal weapon, but several countries have reconsidered their use following controversy and deathly outcomes.
The use of Tasers in Mrs. Nowland’s case is concerning, especially as she is a vulnerable person with a medical condition. The investigation will shine a light on the use of Tasers for law enforcement officers, and the requirements around their usage. It will also explore why police officers felt compelled to use a Taser on someone of Mrs. Nowland’s age and delicate state. For Mrs. Nowland and her family, they are now left hoping and praying for the best outcome and to hold someone responsible for their actions.
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