Disabled residents left shaken after police drug raid on NDIS home

In a suburb of Perth, three women with psychosocial disabilities and two support workers were left shaken after a police drug raid on an NDIS-supported home. The officers, including two from the Tactical Response Group, burst through the front door, shouting "Police! Search Warrant!" Support worker Uddey recounted that the police officers entered the house, pointing guns at the residents and handcuffing the two support workers.

Police searched every room in the house, despite it being an NDIS-supported home for vulnerable women with disabilities. The NDIS home is situated in an unusual configuration, comprising two separate homes at one address. The police spokesperson claimed they were executing a drug search warrant on both properties, but it was soon determined that the NDIS property was not linked.

Tyler Burness, owner of the home, called for compensation and acknowledged by police that a mistake was made. He stated that if they had looked at the walls instead of the team, they would have seen behaviour support plans and medication charts. Burness expressed concern that the only two people there to assist the residents were detained, leaving them feeling threatened.

The police found methylamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and weapons during the raid, leading to the arrest of two men. Body-worn camera footage of the search was reviewed and deemed compliant with police processes. However, Burness has not been offered any form of compensation and the three residents are in need of ongoing support to deal with their anxiety.

One resident, who has a schizophrenic disorder, believed that the police officer was there for them and it has been difficult to de-escalate. Burness plans to relocate his business and considers lodging a formal complaint with the Corruption and Crime Commission.