Calls for Everard inquiry to be given greater powers

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An inquiry launched after the death of Sarah Everard will be a “disservice” to her and her family unless it is given greater powers, according to her MP. The inquiry will investigate how serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was able to abduct, rape and murder Ms Everard and consider whether any “red flags were missed” earlier in his career. “If women in my constituency and around the country are going to have full confidence in the police again, we need a comprehensive inquiry that doesn’t shy away from examining the full extent of the problem.” In a letter to Ms Patel, she added: “I have been incredibly disappointed to see that this inquiry will be non-statutory and agree with campaigners that this will be a disservice to Ms Everard and her family…. “If this inquiry is to stand any chance of restoring women’s trust in the police and criminal justice system, it must be statutory, and the scope must be expanded to look at the wider problem of police-perpetrated abuse.” Group Reclaim These Streets previously said by focusing only on Couzens, the investigation “perpetuates the bad apple myth” and fails to tackle the bad behaviour of other officers.