The family of Clare Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police, have demanded answers regarding the incident.
Their emotional message was conveyed after a former negotiator revealed details about the last moments of the 95-year old grandmother.
At the time of the incident, Nowland was reportedly holding a steak knife at a NSW aged care facility.
She died on Wednesday night in a local hospital. Her granddaughter, who was present at the time of her grandmother’s death, said the family was still in shock.
According to Ms Paske, grandmother Nanna was known for her compassion and didn’t judge others.
She said that even though she was 95 years old, she didn’t expect her to die after being tasered.
She noted that the circumstances surrounding her death are too difficult to explain.
She was known for volunteering for various causes. On her 80th birthday, she went skydiving.
The police officer who was allegedly involved in the incident, Senior Constable White, has been charged. He has been charged with various offenses.
The Saturday Telegraph claimed that the confrontation between White and Nowland allegedly happened in just a minute.
It is believed that the officer repeatedly asked the woman to stop and put down the knife during the negotiations. After she allegedly ignored his commands, the sergeant deployed the taser.
The incident’s 60 seconds will be crucial in proving the charges against White.
According to a former negotiator, he never used a taser during his 20-year career.
He noted that although some people believe that it is an easy and effective method of controlling a situation, it is not always the case.
The former negotiator also noted that the consequences of tasing a person should be considered.
He urged the police to improve their training procedures regarding the use of tasers.
Emergency services were called to the facility at around 4.15am after staff members saw Nowland holding a steak knife.
According to Peter Cotter, the assistant commissioner of NSW Police, Nowland was at a slow pace as she was being assisted by a staff member when the officer used the taser on her.
The police then claim that she was still armed when they arrived at her facility. She was then taken to the Cooma Hospital before receiving end- of-life care.
The NSW Police has been heavily criticized following the incident. Commissioner Karen Webb said it’s not clear why the call to the police was made. She said on the Today Show that the agency doesn’t know why the call was made.
According to Karen Webb, officers are trained to use the least amount of pressure possible.
Until they can determine the exact reason behind the call, they won’t be able to provide a proper explanation. She also noted that bodycam footage did not lead to the officer’s charges.
The family of Nowland has thanked the public for its support. The officer, who has been charged, remains on paid leave while the investigations are carried out.