Met Officers Face Misconduct Hearing for Tasering 90-Year-Old Woman

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Full Story

Two serving and one former Metropolitan Police officers face a gross misconduct hearing after tasering a 90-year-old woman with dementia in London. The May 2023 incident in Peckham also involved handcuffing and using a spit hood on the woman, prompting outrage. The case raises questions about police treatment of vulnerable individuals.

The incident occurred in Peckham, south London, in May 2023. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced the hearing.

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The Context

The woman, aged 90, suffered dementia, complicating her interaction with officers. Use of a Taser on her sparked public condemnation.

Officers also applied handcuffs and a spit hood during the encounter. These measures are typically reserved for highly resistant suspects.

The IOPC oversees police misconduct investigations in England and Wales. Its findings will determine if the officers violated professional standards.

Some defend police actions, citing the need for officer safety in unpredictable situations. Others criticize the excessive force against a frail, elderly woman.

London’s Metropolitan Police have faced prior scrutiny for excessive force cases. High-profile incidents have eroded public trust in the force.

The hearing’s outcome could lead to disciplinary actions or policy changes. Community advocates demand accountability for the officers involved.