Everard inquiry opens survey for police forces

The survey will form the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry, after Wayne Couzens raped and murdered Sarah Everard

Police officers and staff are being asked for their views on recruitment, vetting, culture and standards as part of an inquiry into the circumstances around the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens.

The survey of those in England and Wales forces will form the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry, after its first report revealed Couzens should never have been given a job as a police officer.

The inquiry is investigating whether there is a risk of issues happening again, such as failures in police vetting and in investigating reports of sexual offences.

It will also look at police culture and address broader concerns around women's safety in public spaces.

Couzens was sentenced to a whole-life order, meaning he will never be released from prison, after Ms Everard's murder in March 2021.

The inquiry found chances to stop Couzens were repeatedly ignored and missed, and its chairwoman Lady Elish Angiolini warned that without a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture, there was "nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight".

Lady Elish said: "Over the last three years my inquiry has engaged with many officers and staff. I'm always encouraged by the commitment to serve the public.

"This survey opens the opportunity for all staff and officers to have their voices heard.

"If you're a police constable, a staff member or involved at any level in protecting the public on a day to day basis - this survey is for you, please take the chance to participate."

The survey will run until 9 May and staff can check their force home page for information on how to take part.

It comes as Ms Everard's parents, Jeremy and Susan Everard, began campaigning last month for tougher sentencing for serious violent and sexual criminals as part of a new group called Justice for Victims launched in Parliament.