Police officer found guilty of manslaughter after tasering 95-year-old Clare Nowland - ABC News (Australia)

[TexasTowelie]

The New South Wales police officer who used his taser on great-grandmother Clare Nowland has been found guilty of manslaughter. The 95-year-old's family spent days anxiously waiting for a result from the jury and they embraced as the verdict was revealed.

[Aussie105]

1. Tasers aren't supposed to be lethal.

But at 95, it should have been a recognised possibility.

If it had been a 21 year old fit and healthy bloke, it would have been the right thing to do.

Training of police officers around the world doesn't cover how to respond to a non compliant 95 year old wielding a knife and respond appropriately accounting for the possible fragility of an old person.

Bad look for the police force though, they had to do something rather than just say 'Oops! Sorry!'

[marble falls]

2. But falling backwards and hitting one's head is often fatal. Tripping someone isn't fatal, it's the sudden landing ...

... that causes the damage. How about doing nothing and waiting her out?

That cop'd got a paid 'suspension' and a pat on the back when reinstated in the US.

And even in the case of a healthy bloke shuffling holdin a knife, if there's no direct threat, like preparing to cut or stab, wait them out.

[ratchiweenie]

3. She had dementia and she was 95. They could easily have cleared the room and waited her out.