Magistrate calls ACT police response to disabled woman 'exceedingly heavy-handed'
A magistrate condemned seven ACT police officers who Tasered a disabled Aboriginal woman with her hands raised during a January arrest.
Special magistrate Sean Richter has condemned ACT police for exceedingly heavy-handed conduct during the arrest of Emma, an Aboriginal woman with an intellectual disability, at a bus stop in Canberra in January.
Police were called after reports she had a knife, but she was found carrying only scissors, one of which was broken. Body-worn camera footage showed Emma sitting on a bench with her hands in the air when officers arrived and pointed a Taser at her.
Officers pulled her to the ground. One activated a Taser against her back while two others held her down; seven officers were present.
Richter said Emma had suffered a traumatic brain injury at age 12 and was known to police. He found the officers aware of her vulnerabilities yet still used force.
Emma pleaded guilty to possessing a knife without reasonable excuse. A civil claim has been filed alleging misfeasance in public office.
- Seven
- Officers present
- Two pairs of scissors, one broken
- Items found
- Bus stop in Canberra
- Arrest location
- 28 days before bail
- Days in custody
Why it mattersThe case highlights how police escalation can cause serious harm to vulnerable people and raise questions about training in de-escalation and disability awareness.
AustraliaACT police face renewed scrutiny over use of force against Aboriginal and disabled people, adding to previous ombudsman findings of unnecessary escalation and unprofessional behaviour.
