Officer who verbally abused a 95-year-old woman “very desperately” will take action on the case: lawyer

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that his journey into this particular job was beyond his wildest dreams to turn things into what they could be,” Anderson said.

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Police say White was at home before he was called to Yallambee along with his partner to help the NSW ambulance and staff who found Nowland with the knife before 4am.

It is understood Nowland was asked to drop the knife before approaching White, who made an exasperated comment before using his taser. Senior police officers described the footage as “confrontational”.

Anderson expects White to plead not guilty, but a final decision will not be made until investigators present evidence.

“I wasn’t there, I can’t say exactly what happened, but what I could say in the words of one of my clients who was involved in an incident… ‘Everything was normal half an hour ago,'” he said.

“I’m sure Mr. White thinks so.”

A review of White’s “internal complaint history” is now part of the critical investigation, New South Wales Police said on Thursday.

In a statement Thursday, Nowland’s family thanked staff at Cooma Base Hospital, where Nowland died shortly after White was charged.

“It is with great sadness that the Nowland family announces that our beloved Clare passed away tonight surrounded by the love and support of her family,” the family said.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society shop, where Nowland volunteered, was closed “out of condolences to Clare Nowland’s family after her death,” according to a sign posted on the door.

“Our prayers and condolences are with her and everyone who knew her.”

Among those hardest hit are residents and staff at Yallambee Lodge, the aged care facility where Nowland spent the last five years of her life. They referred to them as “Family”.

“Clare was a selfless and dedicated member of the Snowy Monaro community and her loss will be felt across the region, just as her long life has touched so many of us,” read a statement given to the council-run home is attributed.

Snowy Monaro Mayor Narelle Davis, who knew Nowland personally for five decades, said she left a “great legacy.”

In Sydney, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will oversee investigations into Nowland’s tasering.

The LECC on Thursday took a close look at police officer training as it investigated allegations that excessive force was used in the arrest of an Indigenous teenager in northern New South Wales in September 2022.

Three senior officials, each responsible for aspects of training, made statements about the use of force; including firearms, handcuffs, tasers and paprika spray, at a rare public hearing on Thursday.

First Sergeant Andrew Pocock said violence was “a last control option” when negotiations have failed or become impossible. One of his lessons focuses on de-escalation, and he teaches officers: “Violence is perpetrated by the perpetrator, not the police.”

“We will react, we will not proactively use force when we can always avoid it,” Pocock said.

“We only resort to this use of force if it is necessary due to the perpetrator’s actions.”

Commission adviser Lester Fernandez read out the basic principles of the NSW Police Force Tactical Options Model, including that “individual police officers are accountable and responsible for their use of force and must be able to justify their actions in court”.

First Sergeant Leanne Weston said the Associate Policing degree at Goulburn Academy includes 114 hours of non-firearms defensive tactics.

Redfern Legal Center attorney Samantha Lee, who is representing the Indigenous teenager who sustained a head injury when he was arrested, questioned training on the effects of violence on the elderly or young.

First Sergeant Phillip Clarke said a person’s vulnerability, size and age are “obvious factors that should be considered” and should be recognized by officers when making decisions.

The LECC investigation continues before Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson.

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