ix law enforcement officials might face prison fees after a 90-year-old lady with dementia was put in a spit hood, handcuffed and had a Taser pointed at her.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) mentioned on Wednesday it's investigating the Metropolitan Police officers for potential prison offences in addition to gross misconduct.
The aged lady was “distressed” and allegedly spat at one officer after they had been referred to as to her dwelling in Peckham, south-east London, on May 9.
She was handcuffed, had a mesh spit hood positioned over her head and a Taser skilled on her earlier than she was taken to hospital – nonetheless with {the handcuffs} and spit hood on – with out being arrested.
It is claimed she was left with cuts and bruising to each wrists and one among her arms.
The Met referred the case to the IOPC, and a criticism was additionally made to the watchdog that extreme and unreasonable drive was used in opposition to the girl, and accused officers of discriminating in opposition to the girl, who's black, as a consequence of her race, gender, age and incapacity.
Six officers are being investigated for potential breaches of requirements {of professional} behaviour, and the attainable prison offences of assault and false imprisonment.
IOPC director Steve Noonan mentioned: “We are concerned by some of the actions and decision-making of police officers involved in the detention of this elderly and vulnerable lady, and we recognise this incident has also caused community concern.
“It’s important that an independent investigation takes place to establish the full circumstances.
“We have been in regular contact with the lady’s family to update them on the investigation.
“Once it’s complete, we will decide whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also whether any of the officers involved should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Investigators have considered footage from body-worn video and hospital CCTV, in addition to interviewing witnesses together with medical employees.
The Metropolitan Police mentioned the six officers are all primarily based within the drive’s Central South Basic Command Unit.
One has been suspended whereas the opposite 5 are on restricted duties, which means they haven't any contact with the general public whereas the investigation is carried out.
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, native policing commander in Southwark, mentioned: “It is clear that this will have been a distressing experience for the lady involved and that the circumstances raise a number of questions that need to be answered.
“While I do not wish to pre-judge this process, officers know that they must be able to justify any use of force or restraint and we will expect that of the officers involved in this incident.
“They also know that we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach in real time according to the circumstances they are faced with.”
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