Police Shock: 12 Officers Hit with Misconduct Notices After Sarah Everard Murder Scandal
Following PC Wayne Couzens’ guilty plea today at the Old Bailey for the brutal murder of Sarah Everard, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has revealed a wave of investigations into police behaviour linked to the case.
12 Officers Under Fire Over Conduct Linked to PC Couzens
The IOPC has issued 12 gross misconduct or misconduct notices to officers across several forces. These probes dig deep into how cops handled themselves before and after Couzens’ horrific crime.
- One key investigation is almost wrapped up, focusing on how Couzens got head injuries while in custody on 10 and 12 March. All officers involved were treated as witnesses.
- Another probe examines alleged failures by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to properly investigate two claims of indecent exposure tied to Couzens in London, February 2021. Two officers may face misconduct charges.
- Kent Police is also under scrutiny for failing to investigate a 2015 indecent exposure linked to Couzens. So far, no misconduct notices have been issued.
- Shockingly, a probationary MPS constable is accused of sharing a graphic image about the Everard case on social media. This officer later worked the cordon during the search. Three officers here face gross misconduct notices.
- Investigations also target officers from multiple forces who allegedly mishandled sensitive info about Couzens’ prosecution via a messaging app. One has a gross misconduct notice, six others face misconduct notices.
IOPC Speaks Out on Police Betrayal
“Our sympathies remain with the family of Sarah Everard and everyone affected by her death,” said IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem.
“We share the horror that many will feel, knowing that Sarah’s killer was a police officer who had taken an oath to uphold the law and protect life and property. The offences Wayne Couzens has admitted add up to the worst betrayal of the public’s trust.”
“We are still investigating a number of matters linked to PC Couzens and Sarah’s death, and we are working hard to bring those to as swift a conclusion as possible.”
More Referrals Still Under Local Scrutiny
The IOPC said nine other referrals related to Couzens were sent back to the MPS for local investigation, including matters connected to Sarah Everard’s kidnap, murder and rape. No further details have been given.
This unfolding scandal has torn through police ranks, raising serious questions about how the force polices itself and protects the public it serves.
