NPCC Chair welcomes public inquiry following Sarah Everard's murder

An inquiry into the issues raised by the conviction of Sarah Everard’s murderer has been welcomed by National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Chair, Martin Hewitt.

The non-statutory public enquiry follows the conviction of Wayne Couzens, the serving police officer who killed Sarah Everard, who was given a whole life sentence on Thursday 30 September. 

There are issues for the whole of policing that need to be examined and acted on, from vetting to professional standards, to how predatory or misogynistic behaviour is challenged.

It’s right for these issues to be fully and independently considered, and we will support the inquiry’s work in every way we can.

Martin Hewitt, Chair of the NPCC

Hewitt emphasised that the police would not wait for the findings of this inquiry to take action, but will proactively begin to rebuild women’s trust in the police to protect and respect them. The service will begin by listening to women’s voices on what needs to change.

Along with a greater emphasis on the responsibility of all in policing to call out, challenge and report concerning behaviour, the police will also work with experts to develop their strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. 

This must be a turning point in how society deals with violence against women and girls. In policing we will do better at targeting the violent men who harm women and building the strongest cases we can that have the best chance of getting to court.

Martin Hewitt, Chair of the NPCC

The inquiry was launched by Home Secretary Priti Patel on Tuesday 5 October. It is expected to look at:

• the prior conduct and monitoring of the police officer convicted of Sarah Everard's murder
• where broader institutional lessons should be learned

Read more: National Police Chiefs’ Council welcome announcement of inquiry