NEWS
SARAH EVERARD MURDER HAS SHOCKED POLICING
The horrific kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in South London and the subsequent arrest of a serving Metropolitan Police officer for the crime has shocked policing.
Sarah, a 33-year-old marketing
executive, disappeared on 3 March while walking home on a lit street at night. Her remains were found in woodland in Kent a week later. Wayne Couzens of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit is due to stand trial accused of her kidnap and murder. John Apter, National Chair of the
Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said: “The death of Sarah Everard provoked a wave of grief, public emotion and revulsion. Nobody shared those feelings more than the country’s police officers, and I know I speak for all decent, hard-working, dedicated police officers in extending our heartfelt condolences to Sarah’s family and friends.” The incident became a focal point
globally for the issue of violence against women. A vigil in Sarah’s memory at Clapham Common on 10 March, unfortunately only fanned the flames of anti-police sentiment when officers were forced to make four arrests for breaches of COVID-19 regulations. John, writing in the Telegraph, said
police officers had been vilified for attempting to uphold the law and keep the public safe. He thanked the majority who recognised the difficult challenge that policing has faced in trying to protect citizens during the pandemic, often in the face of confusing and contradictory guidance from government. “It is important those who
continue to criticise police officers try to put themselves in the shoes of my
colleagues, who have been abused, assaulted, and vilified far too often during this pandemic,” he added. “Despite the avalanche of unfair criticism my colleagues have faced, they will continue to be the first to arrive whenever these same critics call us for help.” John said the Federation will support an independent report into events at the vigil as “learning lessons has always been a crucial part of policing”.
Dame Helen Mirren thanks police for COVID-19 efforts
The Federation has received a heart-warming personal message from Dame Helen Mirren thanking ofcers for all their hard work and commitment during the pandemic. In her video the A-list actress mentions
the role she is best known for, playing detective Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect from 1991 to 2006. Dame Helen says: “In research for the
series, I learned something quite illuminating for me. I learned that the police are on the front line of all the mistakes. They deal with the fallout.
“This last year must have been so very
difcult for the police. They are amongst our first responders. They deal with the difculties that COVID-19 has wrought upon our communities, upon our culture. I applaud them for their work. I thank them for their work. And I hope from the bottom of my heart that 2021 will be a better year for everyone not least the police.” Dame Helen recorded the tribute
as part of the Federation’s month-long spotlight on the work and challenges facing detectives.
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