PC off front line for social media post from scene
A POLICE officer allegedly shared inappropriate material on social media while guarding the scene where Sarah Everard’s remains were found.
The constable has been removed from frontline duties after colleagues reported that an inappropriate graphic was shared with officers on a WhatsApp group. Sarah’s family have been made aware of the incident. It is the latest in a string of inquiries into Scotland Yard and officers linked to Sarah’s case.
PC Wayne Couzens, 48, is due at the Old Bailey today charged with kidnapping and murdering Sarah.
The 33-year-old disappeared walking home to Brixton from Clapham, South London on March 3.
Her remains were found in woods near Ashford, Kent, on Wednesday.
The Met said: “On Friday 12 March, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was made aware of an inappropriate graphic that was allegedly shared via social media by a probationary MPS police constable.
“A voluntary referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The graphic does not contain photographic images.”
The IOPC is also investigating how two other officers handled a report of indecent exposure by Couzens three days before Sarah vanished.
And the Met is being probed over injuries Couzens suffered in custody, and in relation to its response when Sarah was reported missing. The police inspectorate is investigating the policing of a vigil for Sarah in Clapham.