Jamar Powell recalls near-death experience during police Taser incident

Jamar Powell, now 20, recounted a traumatic incident involving police officers during a stop and search. The event occurred when officers responded to reports of a Black man threatening people with a samurai sword. Powell was compliant and not wearing dark clothing, yet he was subjected to a Taser threat by PC Drew, who later admitted to having no legal grounds for searching Powell's bag. The officer's actions were criticized for not adhering to proper police protocols, including the Gowisely policy, which mandates clear communication of search grounds to individuals. Witnesses, including a friend of Powell's, expressed concern over the police's treatment of young Black individuals, describing it as brutalization. The incident raised serious questions about racial profiling and the use of force by police. Powell's experience led him to feel that his life was in danger, highlighting the psychological impact of such encounters on young Black men. The Met Police faced scrutiny for their handling of the situation, with allegations of gross misconduct against the officers involved. Powell subsequently sued the Met for false imprisonment and other claims, resulting in undisclosed damages being awarded to him. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential criminal charges, which were ultimately rejected. The ongoing disciplinary proceedings aim to determine the accountability of the officers involved, reflecting broader societal concerns about police conduct and racial discrimination in law enforcement. This case underscores the need for reform in policing practices to ensure the safety and rights of all individuals, particularly marginalized communities.