“You’ve not been charged with anything, Collin,” an officer responds.
The second video clip, taken a few moments after the first, shows Burling on the ground with four officers on top of him, telling him to stop resisting.
“I’m not a threat,” Burling says. “Help me.”
Taite Collins (right) said he didn’t understand how a call to emergency services could end with the death of his partner, Collin Burling.Credit: Sam Mooy
Officers string a privacy blanket over Burling as paramedics administer first aid and place a defibrillator on Burling as he lies face down on the pavement.
“I knew he had passed before they even left … It was absolutely appalling behaviour by the police. … It shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Collins said.
“He was a beautiful man. He’s a big, burly bloke, but he’s got a heart of gold.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said police and paramedics had arrived at the Waterloo apartment to assist Burling, who was known to police.
The crime scene at the Waterloo unit block.Credit: Sam Mooy
“At some point, that male has become non-compliant and has resisted aggressively,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
Police restrained him using handcuffs so that paramedics would be able to sedate him, McKenna said.
Local Murray Gilett leaves flowers at the Waterloo unit block.Credit: Sam Mooy
“I’m unaware if he actually was sedated … at this point in time, but shortly thereafter, that male has gone into cardiac arrest.”
Burling was pronounced dead on arrival at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital despite paramedics’ attempts to revive him.
The incident is being treated as a death in custody, with a critical incident investigation set to scrutinise the interactions between Burling and four police officers who were directly involved.
The incident was captured on an officer-worn body camera, and the footage will form a crucial part of the investigation.
“Make no mistake, the police and the ambulance officers went there to help someone today. It’s unfortunate that this male is now deceased,” he said.
“When ambulance officers decide to sedate someone, it’s usually for their own protection.”
Murray Gillett, who lives locally, arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning to start a memorial with a bouquet of lilies.
“Police are trained for excellent police work, but they’re not trained to deal with mentally ill people. It shouldn’t be left to them,” he said.
“Mental health is a broken system … it’s not okay.”
Critical incidents are events that involve a member of the police force that result in the death of or serious injury to a person.
When the declaration is made, a further investigation is launched. This incident will be investigated by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
“The NSWPF are investigating the circumstances of the incident, and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,” a LECC statement read.
“The LECC is independently monitoring the investigation of the critical incident.”
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1800 512 348.
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