A recently published inquiry into the rape and murder case of a woman by a British police officer three years ago has urged for significant reforms in police vetting and recruitment procedures.

Wayne Couzens, a former member of the London Metropolitan Police’s diplomatic protection squad, received a life sentence for the abduction, rape, and murder of 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah Everard in Clapham, south London, in March 2021. The incident prompted protests across the country and exacerbated public distrust toward law enforcement.

According to a British interior ministry inquiry, Couzens has a history of alleged sexual offences dating back two decades and financial troubles. However, these troubling indicators were repeatedly dismissed by three different police forces. 

“Wayne Couzens was never fit to be a police officer,” said Dame Elish Angiolini, the author of the inquiry report, which was published on Thursday.

“Failures in recruitment and vetting meant Couzens was able to continue a pleasing career which should have been denied to him.”

Couzens initially applied to join Kent police in 2004 but failed the vetting process. However, he was subsequently permitted to serve as a special constable with equivalent powers. Despite being in debt, which should have barred his hiring according to vetting rules in 2011, he was employed by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

According to the inquiry, Couzens sexually assaulted a child, attempted to knife a woman, and faced eight reports to the police for indecent exposure, which were mishandled by both Kent police in 2015 and the Metropolitan Police in 2021. The reports also reveal that Couzens shared extreme pornography with colleagues. Routine checks to assess his suitability as an officer were neglected.

In addition, there are allegations that he attempted to sexually assault a man dressed in drag at a Kent bar in the summer of 2019. He exploited his position as a police officer to silence the victim’s protests.

In their statement, Everard’s parents, Sue and Jeremy, along with siblings Katie and James, condemned the police and expressed how Sarah’s loss continues to profoundly affect their lives. They firmly believe that she fell victim to Couzens’ possession of police powers he should never have had.

“We believe that Sarah died because he was a police officer. She would never have got into a stranger’s car,” they said.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Everard was “failed in more ways than one by the people who were meant to keep her safe”.

Angiolini urged the need to “radically transform” police culture, immediate action by all police forces, and a swift review of indecent exposure charges against officers. She also recommended in-person interviews and home visits for new police officer candidates.

Keeping family safe

The tragic events surrounding Everard’s case underscore the urgent necessity for enhanced protective measures. This is particularly significant for the safety of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and their family members, whose elevated profiles may attract unwanted attention and security risks.

Incorporating specialised protective measures such as close protection officers and protective surveillance is crucial in providing an additional layer of security against potential threats, especially those arising from insider knowledge or authority. 

Security firms like Marengo offer a team of qualified close protection officers and security drivers, renowned for their experience, reliability, and expertise. These professionals, who are all SIA licensed, DBS checked, vetted, and interviewed, offer the flexibility to operate overtly or covertly based on the client’s preferences. They can minimise the risk of physical threats, ensuring clients’ safety during their daily activities.

In addition, these personnel can provide crucial meet-and-greet services, record visitor details, manage CCTV, conduct foot patrols, and offer additional services such as leak checks, safeguarding staff in high-risk areas or working alone, and protection for empty properties.