West Mercia Police to learn lessons from Sarah Everard's murder

Chief constable Pippa Mills responded to calls from police and crime commissioner John Campion for reassurance after the London murder, saying the force would learn lessons from the horrific case.

She said West Mercia, which covers Herefordshire, was doing everything it could to protect women and girls.

Her comments come after details of Ms Everard's murder emerged in recent days.

The court heard Couzens, who was handed a whole life term, had been planning for at least a month before abducting Ms Everard, 33, as she walked home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, on the evening of March 3.

Metropolitan Police firearms officer Couzens, who had been “hunting” for a victim, used his warrant card and handcuffs to snatch the marketing executive off the street using Covid lockdown rules to make a false arrest.

Sarah Everard (left) and Wayne Couzens (right)

Lord Justice Fulford said the case in which a serving officer abused his position was so exceptional it warranted a whole life order, meaning Couzens will never be freed.

"First and foremost the thoughts of everyone in West Mercia Police are with Sarah Everard’s family and friends," chief constable Pippa Mills said.

"Whilst the sentencing hopefully provides some small amount of justice, I recognise that nothing will ever relieve the pain and loss they must be experiencing.

"I echo comments made by colleagues nationally - the police service has been shaken by the abhorrent actions of Wayne Couzens. The crimes he committed against Sarah and the abuse of a position of trust counter everything we stand and strive for as a service.

"Like colleagues across the country, I recognise the understandable damage to public trust and confidence in policing.

"We must now do everything possible to rebuild that faith, to understand women’s fears and concerns and to show beyond doubt that they can put their trust in us. 

"As an organisation, we will review the key points of learning and best practice that have come to light during this case.

"We remain absolutely committed to progressing our local plans to prevent violence against women and girls, to keep them safe and to make them feel safe."

She said the force was focussed on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls, adding the force worked closely with local partners and took a joined up approach across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Her comments came after commissioner John Campion asked for reassurance that there were robust processes in place for people to check the identity of any officer.

He also said he wanted to ensure there was work going on to identify inappropriate use of police equipment by officers and staff, including staff being comfortable in raising their concerns.

John Campion said last week: “This horrific incident will have understandably affected the trust of the country in policing.

"One individual’s actions should not undo the excellent and committed work that many officers tirelessly do to protect all members of our community both in West Mercia and nationally.

“I as Commissioner know that now more than ever, members of our community especially women and girls need to feel reassured."

"Reassurance needs to be in place to guarantee everyone will be treated appropriately should a police officer speak to them. That they only experience the police in a legitimate manner or when they need assistance. They should be confident in the service they are provided with.

“The safety of women and girls continues to be a key priority in my Safer West Mercia Plan and I am committed to ensuring that they not only are safe but feel safe. I will ensure they are not only given a voice, but they are being listened to.”