Five Years After Sarah Everard’s Murder

Five Years After Sarah Everard’s Murder, Met Police Commissioner Says Rebuilding Trust Will Take Time LONDON Five years on from the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard killed by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021 the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service says restoring public confidence in the force remains a long-term challenge.

Sir Mark Rowley, the Met’s commissioner, made the comments as the anniversary of Everard’s murder was marked, acknowledging the profound impact the case had on public trust in policing. Many women and members of the public have expressed enduring scepticism about the police’s ability to protect and serve after the high-profile case exposed vulnerabilities in vetting and conduct. Everard, 33, was walking home in south London in March 2021 when she was stopped, abducted, raped and murdered by then-officer Couzens, who used his police identity to gain her trust. He was later convicted and sentenced to a whole-life prison term. In remarks reflecting on the legacy of the tragedy, Sir Mark said he understands why some women still do not trust the force and that rebuilding confidence “will take time,” despite ongoing efforts to strengthen standards, vetting and accountability.

The murder triggered national outrage and led to independent reviews into policing culture and procedures. The Angiolini Inquiry, among others, has sought to determine how Couzens was able to join and remain in the police despite earlier warning signs, and to recommend reforms to prevent similar failures.

Rowley has repeatedly emphasised the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, improving internal conduct and reinforcing public safety, but his comments on the anniversary reflect the reality that trust cannot be repaired quickly after such a shocking breach