Suffolk Police say public trust is of 'paramount importance'
They've spoken out following the conviction of Sarah Everard's killer
Suffolk Police want to ensure the public doesn't lose trust in them, following the conviction of Sarah Everard's killer.
Wayne Couzens was a serving Met Police officer, when he kidnapped and murdered the 33-year-old in March.
He was this week given a life sentence.
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said:
“The public’s trust and confidence is of paramount importance to Suffolk Constabulary.
“Following the sentencing of Wayne Couzens will be looking at our practices to see if there is anything we can do to provide further reassurance to the public if they are approached by a plain clothes officer.
“At this stage we would reiterate police officers always carry identification and can be asked for verification. It is extremely unusual for a plain clothes officer to be working alone. If they are, standard practice is for them to call for assistance and other officers should arrive quickly.
“Officers should be tolerant of those who wish for reassurance and explain who they are, what they are doing and why. If people are still suspicious they should alert a passer-by, flag a car down, or in extreme cases dial 999.”