'Please don't taser me': Canberra woman sues police over use of force
An Aboriginal woman who was tasered by officers during an arrest at a Canberra bus stop is suing ACT Policing.
A Canberra woman, who has an intellectual disability, is suing seven ACT police officers over the use of force during her arrest in January. Police body-worn camera footage shows the Aboriginal woman being tasered and held face down by two male officers. Police claim the woman was yelling at passing cars and threatening to stab occupants.
Emma, known to have a traumatic brain injury from a car accident when she was 12, was charged with five offences, though most charges were later withdrawn. The Aboriginal Legal Service, representing Emma, called for independent police oversight, describing the footage as "horrifying." A magistrate found the police actions to be "unwarranted and heavy-handed."
The civil case accuses the officers of assault, breach of human rights, and misfeasance in public office. ACT Police Minister Marisa Paterson expressed concern over the matter, noting that police officers undergo regular use of force qualifications and reporting.
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