A misconduct hearing determined that two police officers used excessive force against 92-year-old Donald Burgess, who had dementia, at a care home. The officers, PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto, were found to have acted inappropriately by failing to de-escalate the situation before resorting to force, including the use of a Taser.
The misconduct ruling highlights the urgent need for police training on handling vulnerable individuals, especially those with dementia. Watch for potential policy changes in police protocols and community responses advocating for better mental health crisis intervention.