Two police officers charged with assaulting 92-year-old man in his own home
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In a disturbing turn of events that has left the community reeling, a 92-year-old man became the victim of an alleged assault by police officers in his own home in Picton, New South Wales.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 21st, has sparked a wave of concern and prompted a stern response from the top echelons of the NSW Police Force.
The elderly gentleman, who was reportedly involved in a domestic incident, was subjected to what has been described as excessive force by responding officers.
The man's wife, who is believed to be living with dementia, had made two emergency calls to the police, leading to their arrival at the couple's residence.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb addressed the media, revealing that the alleged assault took place within minutes of the officers' arrival.
The 92-year-old man was handcuffed, resulting in a fractured right elbow and significant bruising to his head and arms.
This was the first time police had been called to the address, and it remains unclear whether a domestic incident was indeed taking place, as no charges were laid against the man.
The two officers involved, both male, have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Additionally, one officer faces a separate charge of assault. These charges emerged from an internal investigation triggered by the routine review of domestic violence incidents.
Importantly, the officers were equipped with body cameras, and the footage captured is expected to be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that both officers have been removed from active duty and were suspended with pay as the investigation proceeds.
One is set to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on July 30, while the other is scheduled for August 6.
Commissioner Webb emphasised the seriousness with which NSW Police takes both domestic violence and the conduct of its officers.
‘We respond to over 2 million calls for service across this organisation, across NSW, every year. Over 140,000 just (for) domestic violence,’ she said.
‘It’s important that I say to the community that they can have confidence that NSW Police will respond to calls for service.’
She added: ‘And where something is questionable or we have concerns about the conduct of an officer, we will take action.’
Commissioner Webb also expressed disappointment over the incident and assured the public that any questionable conduct by officers would be met with decisive action.
‘Almost all the time… we respond to victims in a very empathetic, caring manner,’ she continued.
‘But if... we have concerns officers haven’t responded appropriately, then we’ll investigate.’
‘It is not a frequent matter, but it is a concern, and we are taking it seriously,’ she assured.
This incident is particularly troubling as it comes just over a year after another tragic event involving police and an elderly person with dementia.
Clare Nowland, 95, was fatally tasered at a Cooma Aged Care Home after officers responded to a call about her holding a steak knife.
Senior Constable Kristian White, who is accused of using the stun gun on Nowland, is currently facing manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty.
These incidents raise serious questions about the treatment of the elderly, particularly those with dementia, in confrontations with law enforcement. They also highlight the need for ongoing training and awareness among police officers when dealing with vulnerable members of the community.
Source: 7NEWS Australia/YouTube
What are your thoughts on the charges against the officers, members? How should such situations be handled? Feel free to share your opinions on this topic in the comments below.
In a disturbing turn of events that has left the community reeling, a 92-year-old man became the victim of an alleged assault by police officers in his own home in Picton, New South Wales.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 21st, has sparked a wave of concern and prompted a stern response from the top echelons of the NSW Police Force.
The elderly gentleman, who was reportedly involved in a domestic incident, was subjected to what has been described as excessive force by responding officers.
The man's wife, who is believed to be living with dementia, had made two emergency calls to the police, leading to their arrival at the couple's residence.
The two officers responded to a domestic incident at the Picton home. Image source: Shutterstock
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb addressed the media, revealing that the alleged assault took place within minutes of the officers' arrival.
The 92-year-old man was handcuffed, resulting in a fractured right elbow and significant bruising to his head and arms.
This was the first time police had been called to the address, and it remains unclear whether a domestic incident was indeed taking place, as no charges were laid against the man.
The two officers involved, both male, have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Additionally, one officer faces a separate charge of assault. These charges emerged from an internal investigation triggered by the routine review of domestic violence incidents.
Importantly, the officers were equipped with body cameras, and the footage captured is expected to be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that both officers have been removed from active duty and were suspended with pay as the investigation proceeds.
One is set to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on July 30, while the other is scheduled for August 6.
Commissioner Webb emphasised the seriousness with which NSW Police takes both domestic violence and the conduct of its officers.
‘We respond to over 2 million calls for service across this organisation, across NSW, every year. Over 140,000 just (for) domestic violence,’ she said.
‘It’s important that I say to the community that they can have confidence that NSW Police will respond to calls for service.’
She added: ‘And where something is questionable or we have concerns about the conduct of an officer, we will take action.’
Commissioner Webb also expressed disappointment over the incident and assured the public that any questionable conduct by officers would be met with decisive action.
‘Almost all the time… we respond to victims in a very empathetic, caring manner,’ she continued.
‘But if... we have concerns officers haven’t responded appropriately, then we’ll investigate.’
‘It is not a frequent matter, but it is a concern, and we are taking it seriously,’ she assured.
This incident is particularly troubling as it comes just over a year after another tragic event involving police and an elderly person with dementia.
Clare Nowland, 95, was fatally tasered at a Cooma Aged Care Home after officers responded to a call about her holding a steak knife.
Senior Constable Kristian White, who is accused of using the stun gun on Nowland, is currently facing manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty.
These incidents raise serious questions about the treatment of the elderly, particularly those with dementia, in confrontations with law enforcement. They also highlight the need for ongoing training and awareness among police officers when dealing with vulnerable members of the community.
Source: 7NEWS Australia/YouTube
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