Karl grills police commissioner over near-fatal tasering
Karl Stefanovic has grilled the NSW police commissioner over the devastating near-fatal tasering of a 95-year-old woman.
The Today host told Commissioner Karen Webb that there was “a lot riding” on the investigation into the tragic accident, which has left Clare Nowland fighting for her life.
Karl asked if there was any other way the police officers could’ve handled the situation, to which Commissioner Webb responded, “We don’t know that.”
“We don’t know why the aged-care facility called the police in the first place.
“Police officers are trained in a number of tactical options to use the least amount of force.”
“Until we actually understand why, we won’t really know.”
A senior constable was stood down by NSW Police earlier this week over the incident, while detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the tasering.
Ms Nowland, who is now receiving end-of-life care, is believed to have been standing at her walking frame with a knife before she was tasered by police.
As a result, the aged care resident fell to the floor and hit her head.
As the incident garnered attention across the country, pressure has mounted on NSW police for them to release the footage of the tasering captured on the officer’s body-worn camera.
Ms Webb doubled down on her decision to not release the video, as well as her own refusal to view it.
“People can’t reconcile the fact that you haven’t looked at this video. They just can’t fathom why you wouldn’t have,” Stefanovic said.
In reply, Ms Webb said, “As a decision maker, I may watch this video when all the evidence comes before me.”
“But, by watching that video now won‘t make the investigation go faster.”
“I need these detectives who are the best in NSW to work through this methodically, follow a process and then I’ll review it as a whole.”
Ms Webb justified her stance by saying the local police commander was told by the family they did not want the video to be released at the moment.
Despite this, she admitted she understood criticism around her decision to not watch the video, and it potentially poorly portrayed police.
“It (the video) may not look good at all,” Ms Webb said.
“We need to work through the facts and not speculate.”
Ms Webb would not confirm how long the investigation would take or when it would deliver its findings.
Image credits: Today