Metropolitan Police Officers Face Misconduct Hearing Over Taser Incident Involving Elderly Woman
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two serving Metropolitan Police officers and a former officer face a gross misconduct hearing over a May 2023 incident involving a 90-year-old woman with dementia.
- The woman was targeted with a Taser, handcuffed, and placed in a spit hood after refusing to drop kitchen utensils during a disturbance call in Peckham, south London.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence of discrimination based on race or sex but identified gross misconduct in the officers' handling of the situation.
- The Crown Prosecution Service decided against criminal charges, and the officers involved are currently on restricted duties.
- A disciplinary hearing will determine if the misconduct allegations are proven, with no date set yet for the proceedings.
In a case that has raised significant concerns about police conduct, two serving Metropolitan Police officers and a former officer are set to face a gross misconduct hearing following their handling of a 90-year-old woman with dementia. The incident, which occurred in May 2023 in Peckham, south London, involved the use of a Taser, handcuffs, and a spit hood on the elderly woman after she refused to drop kitchen utensils during a disturbance call.
Incident Details
The situation unfolded when officers responded to a call from the woman's carer, reporting a disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the woman holding kitchen utensils. Despite being "red-dotted" with a Taser, she did not comply with orders to drop the items. Although the Taser was not discharged, the woman was subsequently handcuffed and a spit hood was applied after she allegedly spat at the officers. She was transported to a hospital, where the restraints were removed, but she was not arrested.
Investigation and Findings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation in June 2023, following a voluntary referral from the Metropolitan Police and a complaint from the woman's family. The investigation concluded that there was a case for gross misconduct against the officers, particularly concerning their use of force and failure to consider the woman's age and disability. However, the IOPC found no evidence of racial or gender discrimination.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence provided by the IOPC and decided in November 2023 that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers. Both serving officers have been placed on restricted duties, and three additional officers will undergo a reflective practice review process.
Amanda Rowe, a director at the IOPC, emphasized the importance of investigating the full circumstances of the incident, given the woman's vulnerabilities. "This was a concerning incident," Rowe stated, "and it is crucial that the disciplinary hearing determines whether the gross misconduct allegations are proven."
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and the widespread concerns it generated. She reiterated the expectation for officers to demonstrate compassion and adapt their approach to the circumstances they encounter.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The upcoming disciplinary hearing will be pivotal in determining the accountability of the officers involved in this controversial incident. Should the allegations of gross misconduct be upheld, it could lead to significant repercussions for the officers, including potential dismissal from the force. This case also underscores the ongoing scrutiny of police practices, particularly in handling vulnerable individuals, and may prompt further discussions on police training and accountability measures. As the hearing date remains unset, the outcome will be closely watched by both the public and law enforcement communities, potentially influencing future policy and procedural reforms within the Metropolitan Police.
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Metropolitan Police Officers Face Misconduct Hearing Over Taser Incident Involving Elderly Woman
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two serving Metropolitan Police officers and a former officer face a gross misconduct hearing over a May 2023 incident involving a 90-year-old woman with dementia.
- The woman was targeted with a Taser, handcuffed, and placed in a spit hood after refusing to drop kitchen utensils during a disturbance call in Peckham, south London.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence of discrimination based on race or sex but identified gross misconduct in the officers' handling of the situation.
- The Crown Prosecution Service decided against criminal charges, and the officers involved are currently on restricted duties.
- A disciplinary hearing will determine if the misconduct allegations are proven, with no date set yet for the proceedings.
In a case that has raised significant concerns about police conduct, two serving Metropolitan Police officers and a former officer are set to face a gross misconduct hearing following their handling of a 90-year-old woman with dementia. The incident, which occurred in May 2023 in Peckham, south London, involved the use of a Taser, handcuffs, and a spit hood on the elderly woman after she refused to drop kitchen utensils during a disturbance call.
Incident Details
The situation unfolded when officers responded to a call from the woman's carer, reporting a disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the woman holding kitchen utensils. Despite being "red-dotted" with a Taser, she did not comply with orders to drop the items. Although the Taser was not discharged, the woman was subsequently handcuffed and a spit hood was applied after she allegedly spat at the officers. She was transported to a hospital, where the restraints were removed, but she was not arrested.
Investigation and Findings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation in June 2023, following a voluntary referral from the Metropolitan Police and a complaint from the woman's family. The investigation concluded that there was a case for gross misconduct against the officers, particularly concerning their use of force and failure to consider the woman's age and disability. However, the IOPC found no evidence of racial or gender discrimination.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence provided by the IOPC and decided in November 2023 that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers. Both serving officers have been placed on restricted duties, and three additional officers will undergo a reflective practice review process.
Amanda Rowe, a director at the IOPC, emphasized the importance of investigating the full circumstances of the incident, given the woman's vulnerabilities. "This was a concerning incident," Rowe stated, "and it is crucial that the disciplinary hearing determines whether the gross misconduct allegations are proven."
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and the widespread concerns it generated. She reiterated the expectation for officers to demonstrate compassion and adapt their approach to the circumstances they encounter.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The upcoming disciplinary hearing will be pivotal in determining the accountability of the officers involved in this controversial incident. Should the allegations of gross misconduct be upheld, it could lead to significant repercussions for the officers, including potential dismissal from the force. This case also underscores the ongoing scrutiny of police practices, particularly in handling vulnerable individuals, and may prompt further discussions on police training and accountability measures. As the hearing date remains unset, the outcome will be closely watched by both the public and law enforcement communities, potentially influencing future policy and procedural reforms within the Metropolitan Police.
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UK Police Intensify Investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Amid Misconduct Allegations
Prince Andrew's Arrest Raises Questions About Royal Succession and Monarchy's Future
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