UK inquiry to investigate police officer murder of Sarah Everard News
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UK inquiry to investigate police officer murder of Sarah Everard

The UK Ministry of the Interior Monday announced a public inquiry to investigate how British police officer Wayne Couzens was able to abduct, rape, and murder a woman, Sarah Everard. The inquiry will also examine whether the crime could have been prevented and if any “red flags” were missed earlier in Couzens’s career.

Couzens abducted Everard on a London Street while she was walking home after conducting a fake arrest of Everard. Couzens then raped and murdered her. Couzens was sentenced in October and is currently serving a “whole-life” sentence.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I am determined to understand the failings that enabled a serving officer to commit such heinous crimes–we owe an explanation to Sarah’s family and loved ones, and we need to do all in our power to prevent something like this from ever happening again.”

The murder of Everard raised questions about whether the police properly addressed prior concerns regarding Couzens. In 2015, Couzens was accused of indecent exposure. He was accused twice more last year.

The inquiry will investigate Couzens’s abuse of police powers, whether “red flags” were missed,  and whether any colleagues had knowledge of and raised concerns of issues relating to Couzens’s behavior, especially in relation to women. The findings will be utilized in a second part of the inquiry to address what further action can be taken to protect women and for general policing.

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