Two serving Metropolitan Police officers and one former officer are set to face a gross misconduct hearing after a 90-year-old woman with dementia was “red-dotted” with a Taser, handcuffed, and made to wear a spit hood.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced the decision following an investigation into the incident, which occurred in Peckham, South London, on May 9, 2023.
According to reports, police were called to an address after a carer reported a disturbance. An officer found the 90-year-old woman holding kitchen utensils. When she did not comply with instructions to drop the objects, she was “red-dotted” with a Taser, meaning the device was aimed and partially activated, showing a laser dot on her, though it was not discharged. More officers arrived, and the woman was then restrained with handcuffs and had a spit hood placed over her head after she spat at officers.
The woman was not arrested but was taken to the hospital, where the handcuffs and spit hood were removed.
The IOPC launched its investigation in June 2023 following a voluntary referral from the Met and a complaint from the family regarding the use of force. The family also alleged discrimination based on her age, race, sex, and disability. While the IOPC found no evidence of discrimination based on race or sex, they determined that gross misconduct cases should be brought against the officers.
One officer will face a gross misconduct case over their treatment of the woman, including the use of force regarding the Taser and their communication. Another serving officer and the former officer will answer cases concerning the time she was restrained and a possible failure to consider her age and disability. The Crown Prosecution Service decided in November 2023 that none of the officers would face criminal charges.
The Metropolitan Police will now organize the disciplinary proceedings, with no date yet set for the hearing.
90-Year-Old Woman Tased: Met Officers to Face Misconduct Hearing
