Police ‘removed from operational duties’ after man tasered, pepper sprayed at care facility
Two SA Police officers face criminal and internal investigation after senior police – including Commissioner Grant Stevens – watched body camera vision of their actions at an Adelaide care facility.
Photos: Tony Lewis/InDaily. Image: Tom Aldahn/InDaily
In a statement published this morning, SA Police said the incident occurred at a southern district care facility on October 26.
Police said the two officers attended the facility to assist SA Ambulance staff.
“There was an altercation between police and a man at the facility and a Taser and OC spray was deployed,” the statement said.
“The man, aged in his 60s, was restrained by police and sustained minor injuries during the arrest.”
A complaint about the attending police officers’ conduct was made to the Office for Public Integrity on the same day, police said.
Police said they were not made aware of the complaint until November 6, after which they reviewed the two officers’ body-worn camera footage.
“Following assessment of the body-worn video footage from the two officers, on the face of it concerns were identified and a criminal and disciplinary investigation has commenced,” police said.
The two officers, whose identity is not being revealed, have been “removed from operational duties” while the investigation takes place. a police spokesperson said.
A Commissioner’s inquiry is also underway after Police Commissioner Grant Stevens reviewed the footage, police said.
“Given the concerns identified, upon receipt of the complaint the Commissioner was shown the body worn video footage of the incident and a Commissioner’s Inquiry has now been declared,” the statement said.
“As this incident is the subject of a complaint, the Police Complaints and Discipline Act would ordinarily prohibit the disclosure or publication of information in connection with it.
“However, the Commissioner has determined to authorise both the disclosure and publication of the above information in relation to this complaint as it is in the public interest to do so.”
An earlier version of this story stated that the two police officers had been suspended. A spokesperson for police said this was incorrect and they have been “removed from operational duties whilst the matter is being investigated”.