Police have to 'regain trust' after Sarah Everard death says Cumbria union boss

Paul Williams, the chair of the Cumbria Police Federation, said it was important that officers work to win back public trust in 2022 following the 'terrible' actions of Metropolitan Police PC Wayne Couzens.

The protection officer was handed a rare whole-life term last September after he kidnapped, raped and murdered 33-year-old Ms Everard in March.

The union leader said there was 'no room' for misogyny in the police.

In a new year message, Mr Williams said: "A terrible act by a police officer has led to a natural fallout and it’s ever more important we work to regain trust.

"We are of course being scrutinised over vetting and how we address misogyny in policing.

"I’m supporting this as there should never be any room in policing or society for such behaviour."

He also sent a message to officers over their use of social media after scrutiny of police conduct was heightened in the wake of Ms Everard's death.

"I suppose with this I have a clear message that’s very important," he said.

"All officers must be very careful around social media and messaging.

"The consequences of any misuse of this can amount to criminal and/or severe sanctions.

"I am pleased to say that in the main the vast majority of our workforce remains incredibly professional."

Mr Williams opened up on personal trauma caused by Covd-19 and paid tribute to the way Cumbrian officers had policed the pandemic.

"Personally for me this has been one of the toughest years of my life, having suffered much personal loss and grief through the pandemic I can say first hand how real and dangerous it has been for us all and how devastating Covid can be," he said.

"I know I’m not alone in this but what has moved me is how well you adapted to the policing of this and the professionalism shown by all in Cumbria Constabulary has been impressive and should stand out equally as much as the negativities we’ve all had to face."