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Labour MP Calls for Independent Investigation into Police Vetting Process After Sarah Everard Murder

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Labour MP Yvette Cooper has called for an independent investigation into the vetting process used by the Metropolitan Police when recruiting officers, following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer. Cooper believes a proper, independent inquiry is necessary to uncover the scale of failings in vetting and safeguarding within policing, particularly in regards to violence against women and girls. The Prime Minister has rejected calls for a public inquiry, instead opting for investigations by the police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Cooper argues that the IOPC's investigations are limited in scope and do not cover the entire vetting process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Labour MP Yvette Cooper is calling for an independent investigation into the vetting process used by the Metropolitan Police when recruiting officers.
  • The investigation comes after the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, Wayne Couzens.
  • Cooper believes a proper, independent inquiry is necessary to uncover the scale of failings in vetting and safeguarding within policing.
  • The Prime Minister has rejected calls for a public inquiry, instead opting for investigations by the police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
  • The IOPC is investigating specific incidents of misconduct by police officers, but Cooper argues that this is not sufficient to examine the entire vetting process.
  • Cooper also wants an investigation into attitudes towards violence against women and girls within policing.

Statistics:

  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating allegations of misconduct by police officers, including a probationary constable who shared an "inappropriate graphic, depicting violence against women" with colleagues on WhatsApp.
  • Five officers from three forces and one former officer are also being investigated for allegedly sending discriminatory messages in 2019.
  • Two further investigations have been undertaken and concluded.

Sources:

  • BN (BBC News)
  • Yvette Cooper, BBC Radio 4's Today programme
  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson, BBC's Andrew Marr Show
  • Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), statement on its website

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