London, United Kingdom – A recent official inquiry revealed that an off-duty police officer who abducted and murdered a 33-year-old woman in south London three years ago should never have been employed, with three police forces failing to identify signals of his unsuitability. The inquiry found that Wayne Couzens, who is now 51, had a history of viewing extreme and violent pornography and alleged sexual offending dating back nearly two decades before the murder of Sarah Everard. Couzens, a former member of London’s Metropolitan Police, even shared his interests with other officers on a WhatsApp group.
Elish Angiolini, chair of the inquiry, warned that unless there is a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture, there is nothing to prevent another individual like Couzens from operating in plain sight. Everard’s murder in March 2021 shocked the nation and prompted outrage from many women, raising concerns about how a murderer was harbored within the police force. Couzens later pleaded guilty to Everard’s murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
The Metropolitan Police faced further criticism when a vigil, organized by hundreds of women to highlight violence against women and girls, was forcibly dispersed due to breaching coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings. Everard, who disappeared while walking home from a friend’s house in March 2021, was found dead a week later in woodland about 60 miles south of London.
The report identified a series of failings in Couzens’ recruitment and vetting process, as well as how allegations against him were handled. It was revealed that three different police forces could have prevented Couzens from becoming an officer. The inquiry exposed evidence of Couzens being accused of several instances of sexual abuse and a serious sexual assault on a child. Despite warning signs throughout his career, opportunities to address his behavior were missed.
In response, Everard’s family stated that they believe she died because Couzens was a police officer, emphasizing that she would have never gotten into a stranger’s car. The report urged every police force in the country to take action based on its findings. The UK’s interior minister and London Mayor both pledged to carefully consider the report’s recommendations to ensure accountability and reform within law enforcement.