Police chiefs from across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have formally requested Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to explore all legal avenues to prevent the early release of the individuals convicted of killing Police Constable Andrew Harper. The chiefs also urged the government to place greater emphasis on victims' experiences and public safety when considering sentence alterations.
In a letter submitted Tuesday evening, the law enforcement leaders expressed concern that the early release of PC Harper's killers could diminish the perceived value of the service and sacrifice made by officers who face danger to protect the public. Cole and Bowers, convicted of manslaughter in 2020 and sentenced to 13 years, are set to become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences due to changes in the Sentencing Act this year.
The police chiefs outlined three primary requests for the Prime Minister. Firstly, they asked for all lawful options to be pursued to prevent the earlier release of those responsible for PC Harper's death. Secondly, they called for a more thorough consideration of the nature of the crimes committed by prisoners when their sentences are modified. The letter stated that for offenders who have caused death, committed serious violence, or pose an ongoing risk, explicit consideration of public protection, victim impact, and community safety should guide any changes to release arrangements. "This is not simply a question of punishment. It is a question of ensuring that public protection, victim confidence and community safety remain central to decisions that may substantially reduce the time an offender spends in custody," the chiefs wrote.
Lastly, the letter emphasized the need for victims and their bereaved families to be properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements. The early release scheme, designed to alleviate prison overcrowding, is expected to impact approximately 5,000 individuals. This number was reduced from an initial projection of 6,000 after exemptions were introduced for those convicted of severe crimes such as rape, child sex offenses, and grooming.
These calls follow a statement from Andy Burnham, who expressed confidence that the early release of PC Harper's killers could be prevented. Burnham is reportedly already working to pursue every lawful option to avert their release.