Scandal-hit police lose public's faith

Policing was shocked to the core when serving officer Couzens kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in March 2021.

- Jon Austin

SCANDALS including Wayne Couzens and David Carrick have led to more officers being assaulted, with the public increasingly losing trust in their law enforcers, the boss of the police union has warned.

There are more than 110 attacks on officers every day across the country and it is feared this could get even worse, with officers finding themselves branded “rapists and sex pests” by members of the public.

Then David Carrick was unmasked as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders after he admitted 24 counts of rape as well as charges of sexual assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and false imprisonment. He was jailed for 30 years.

A series of other sex, racism and misogyny scandals has also rocked forces.

Even the recent tragic case of Nicola Bulley sparked controversy, with Lancashire Police being criticised for their handling of the lengthy search and the decision to release details about her health and vulnerabilities. Reviews are underway into the case.