The Queanbeyan court closed the investigation into the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, which occurred in 2023 at a nursing home in Cooma. The victim's daughter, Jenny Jordan, stated that the family is still processing the tragic circumstances of the death, caused by a Taser discharge from former officer Kristian White, convicted of manslaughter in 2024. The scene lasted less than three minutes.
Taser: control technology that fails at the margins ⚡
The Taser X26P device used in the incident delivers a 50,000-volt shock at low current, designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject. However, its use on elderly or frail individuals can cause cardiac arrest or fractures. Police manuals warn of risks in the elderly but do not prohibit its use. Kristian White activated the weapon during a minor struggle, according to expert testimonies. The case reignites debate on protocols and training in the use of non-lethal force.
The Taser: now also for speeding up inheritances 💀
If Mrs. Nowland had known that a Taser could settle her pension in three minutes, she might have requested an appointment in advance. Technology advances: before, it took years to collect life insurance; now, a police officer handles it in less time than a coffee. Sure, the process includes a manslaughter trial, but at least the paperwork is quick. The family hopes that, in the future, officers will ask for age before pulling the trigger.