The Angiolini Inquiry, established in the wake of the horrific murder of Sarah Everard, is today publishing its latest findings. This phase of the investigation focuses on the stark realities of sexually-motivated crimes against women in public spaces across the UK.
A Legacy of Systemic Failures
The inquiry was initially launched to investigate how off-duty Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was able to abduct, rape, and murder Sarah Everard in March 2021. The first report, published last year, delivered a damning indictment of police vetting and culture. It concluded that Couzens should never have been employed as an officer and that multiple opportunities to stop the sexual predator were missed.
In response to those findings, Sarah Everard's family stated they believe she died specifically because Couzens was a police officer, noting she would never have entered a stranger's car otherwise. The inquiry revealed a catalogue of prior concerns, including reports that Couzens was nicknamed "the rapist" by colleagues and had committed three incidents of indecent exposure before the murder, for which he was not apprehended.
Demands for Radical Overhaul and Ongoing Reforms
Chairwoman Lady Elish Angiolini issued a stark warning, stating that without a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture, there was "nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight". Following the initial report, the then-home secretary, James Cleverly, announced that any officer charged with the most serious offences would be automatically suspended.
Police reforms are currently underway, including new rules to automatically sack officers who commit gross misconduct or fail background checks. The Government has emphasised its commitment to driving up standards within the force.
Future Phases and Broader Implications
The inquiry's work is far from over. Part two of the Angiolini Inquiry is examining whether the systemic failures identified in the first phase—such as inadequate vetting, toxic police culture, and poor investigation of sexual offence reports—risk being repeated. Its report is expected next year.
A third phase will scrutinise the crimes of another Metropolitan Police officer, David Carrick. Carrick, who also served in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, was unmasked as a serial rapist and handed 36 life sentences in 2023. Earlier this month, he received an additional life sentence for further offences, including molesting a child.
The publication of today's findings marks another critical moment in the ongoing national conversation about violence against women, institutional accountability, and the urgent need for lasting change in how such threats in public spaces are addressed and prevented.
