Responding to the publication of the IPCC report into Surrey Police’s knowledge of the alleged illegal accessing of Milly Dowler’s mobile phone, Kevin Hurley, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey said:
“We must always remember the context of this report – the awful kidnap and murder of an innocent schoolgirl and the devastation caused to her family as a result. It is right that Surrey Police apologised to the Dowler family for the mistakes it made in the investigation and for its failure to investigate the hacking of Milly’s voicemail.
“The IPCC’s report is an important one and I will be considering it in detail to determine if any action is required by me as Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Whilst it is right to reflect now on the report, we should not lose sight of the good work being done by Surrey Police, responding to emergencies and keeping us safe on a daily basis. Keep in mind that many of those you see patrolling the streets and answering calls for help today were still at school at the time of the initial investigation.
“I am deeply grateful to our officers and staff for the work that they do and the sacrifices that they make on our behalf.”