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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Comment
Lorena Allam

In their darkest moments, too many Australians are being met with lethal force instead of love and care

Police Mental Health Australia Clare Nowland New South Wales
A NSW police internal review in 2024 found that officers attending mental health incidents are often ‘an escalating factor’ and it would be better if experts were deployed instead.
A NSW police internal review in 2024 found that officers attending mental health incidents are often ‘an escalating factor’ and it would be better if experts were deployed instead. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

When police tasered and killed Clare Nowland – a 95-year-old aged care resident with dementia – after her nursing home called triple zero for help managing her behaviour, her family were devastated and the public was shocked.

How could a frail and elderly woman on a walking frame, albeit grasping a steak knife, die in such a violent way?

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