On Sunday the unarmed 30-year-old man died after he escaped from Royal Prince Alfred hospital, where he was being held under the Mental Health Act. No police officers activated their body-worn cameras but there was footage taken automatically by the Taser itself, Walton said. He said officers “had a concept” that the man was mentally disturbed and knew he had been in hospital for mental health issues. “Upon receiving notification that a person has absconded from a mental health facility, speak with the hospital manager and ascertain as much detail as possible,” it says. It should not be used against a mental health patient solely to make them comply or submit to medication, or against passive subjects.

Source: The Guardian February 20, 2018 23:15 UTC