Police taser student at Darwin school

THE mother of a 16-year-old boy Tasered by NT police outside a Darwin school claims her son did nothing wrong

Police taser student at Darwin school

THE mother of a 16-year-old boy Tasered by NT police outside a Darwin school claims her son did nothing wrong and says she will make a formal complaint about the incident.

The woman told the NT News yesterday she witnessed the events from the office of Casuarina Senior College on Monday afternoon. It is understood police and the boy’s mother were called to the school after an incident, including claims the boy slashed the tyres of a car.

The mother said the boy had been sitting in the office and asked two officers: “Am I under arrest?”

She said he then left the office and attempted to walk away. The boy was “angry” but his mother maintains he only became aggressive after being grabbed from behind by a police officer.

“I saw the whole thing. I’m going to take it further,” the woman said.

Police released a short statement yesterday that tells a different story. They say they were faced with a “16-year-old male causing a violent disturbance”.

“(Police) deployed a Taser on him in order to control the situation and ensure the safety of the attending officers, staff, students and members of the public.” The boy was charged with assaulting a police officer.

Students who knew the boy told the NT News yesterday afternoon the 16-year-old was generally a good kid.

There are no specific guidelines that would prevent police from using a Taser on a child.

But the NT Police force, when it reviewed its guidelines for use of the devices in 2009, said its policies complied with recommendations made by Amnesty International.

In 2008 Amnesty said the risk of death or serious injury could be higher in children and it recommended “that police officers should avoid the use of (Tasers) against (children) unless the situation excludes other options”.

A statement released by the Education Department confirmed the disturbance on school grounds.

“The safety and well-being of students, staff, parents and visitors at all schools is of highest priority for the department,” the statement read.

The 16-year-old will face Darwin youth justice court on Friday and police said there could be no further comment at this time.