Statement from the National Police Chiefs' Council following the sentencing of the murderer of Sarah Everard

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has provided the below information on verifying the identity of a police officer, following today's sentencing of the murderer of Sarah Everard.

 

"The monstrous actions of Wayne Couzens are a terrible abuse of power and do not represent policing. Police officers and staff who want to protect the public are sickened by this man’s crimes.
"We understand how deeply concerning his actions are and the desire to know how to verify an officer’s identity.
"Police officers always carry identification and can always be asked for verification. They are used to providing that reassurance.
"It would be extremely unusual for an officer in plain clothes to be working alone. If they are, they should be calling for assistance with other officers arriving very soon. This is standard practice. 
"In light of the actions of Wayne Couzens it is right that police officers expect and are tolerant of those who wish to be further reassured. They will want to explain and reassure who they are, what they are doing and why. 
"If people still feel things are not quite right or you are in imminent danger you must seek assistance, if that means shouting out to another member of the public, flagging a car down or even dialling 999 then do that."