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17 June 2022 / Ruth Broadbent
Issue: 7983 / Categories: Features , Public , Criminal
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The Angiolini inquiry: missing the big picture?

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Ruth Broadbent examines the scope of the inquiry into Sarah Everard’s murder: what exactly does it seek to prevent, & how far is it willing to go?
  • In the wake of Met Police officer Wayne Couzens’ conviction for the murder of Sarah Everard, an inquiry chaired by Dame Elish Angiolini was established, with Phase 1 to focus on Couzens’ career, conduct and history in the police.
  • Many have criticised the scope of the inquiry as too narrow and ineffective. Its non-statutory nature also means the success of its investigation will depend upon the willing co-operation of the police—which has not always been forthcoming in previous inquiries.

‘Inquiries have many purposes. Some are concerned with establishing simply what happened and why. [Some] focus upon discipline. Many inquiries, including this inquiry, involve catharsis and close analysis of what may have gone wrong’ (Sir William Macpherson in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry).

On 3 March 2021 serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped Sarah Everard from the street, likely handcuffed her

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