Police vetting "repeatedly disregarded" red flags, according to the investigation. Additionally, it uncovered evidence that Couzens had committed a "very serious sexual assault against a child" prior to beginning his career as a police officer. Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer, according to an investigation into the rape and murder of Sarah Everard. To prevent "another Couzens operating in plain sight," police recruitment must undergo a "radical overhaul."