Three Met Officers Headed for Gross Misconduct Hearings Over Shocking Elderly Woman Incident
Two current Metropolitan Police officers and a former cop face a gross misconduct hearing after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) probed a distressing encounter with a 90-year-old Black woman suffering from dementia in Peckham, South London.
90-Year-Old Dementia Patient “Red-Dotted” with Taser
The incident unfolded on 9 May 2023. Officers responded to a disturbance call from the woman’s carer. The elderly lady was reportedly holding kitchen utensils and didn’t drop them on command.
One officer “red-dotted” her with a Taser – firing the laser targeting device signaling intent – though the Taser was never actually fired.
Elderly Woman Handcuffed and Placed in Spit Hood
Additional officers arrived, handcuffing the woman at the front. After she spat towards officers, a spit hood was placed over her head. She was then taken to hospital, where restraints and the hood were removed.
The family lodged a formal complaint alleging discrimination based on age, sex, and disability, claiming excessive force was used.
IOPC Hits Back: Officers to Face Disciplinary Action
The IOPC’s investigation found one serving officer should face gross misconduct charges for:
- Misusing the Taser
- Ignoring the woman’s age and disability
- Communicating inappropriately during the incident
This same officer also faces separate gross misconduct allegations over another Taser incident on 10 May 2023.
Two other officers – one still serving and one ex-officer – will face misconduct proceedings over:
- Prolonged use of handcuffs and spit hood
- Failing to consider the woman’s vulnerability
- Allegedly making inaccurate statements about the incident
IOPC Speaks Out
Amanda Rowe, Regional Director at the IOPC, said:
“This was a concerning incident, particularly given the woman’s vulnerabilities. It was important that we investigated the full circumstances surrounding this incident to determine exactly what occurred.”
“As a result, we have decided that three officers who attended should face a police disciplinary hearing, which will decide if the gross misconduct allegations are proven.”
The IOPC confirmed no evidence was found supporting claims of discrimination based on race or sex.
All parties have been notified. Now, it’s up to the Metropolitan Police to organise the forthcoming disciplinary hearings.
