Fifty police chiefs across the United Kingdom have united in an unprecedented intervention, urging Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, to prevent the early release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. The leaders, representing every police force in the UK, have condemned proposed early release reforms, calling for plans to free Jessie Cole, Albert Bowers, and potentially thousands of other prisoners to be scrapped. These concerns were detailed in a joint letter from the National Police Chiefs Council, representing 48 UK police forces, the National Crime Agency, and Jersey Police.
The letter warns that the early release plans risk "undermining public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system." The signatories implore Mr. Burnham to explore "every lawful option" to stop the release of PC Harper's killers, arguing that the government's plans represent a betrayal of the law enacted in his memory.
PC Andrew Harper, a newlywed officer, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged by a car for over a mile while attempting to apprehend teenagers stealing a quad bike in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. His widow, Lissie Harper, subsequently campaigned for Harper's Law, which mandates a life sentence for anyone who kills an emergency worker in the line of duty.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the getaway vehicle and were 17 at the time of the incident, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020. They are among a group of individuals convicted of serious offenses, including killings, rapes, and violent crimes, who are slated for potential early release starting in September under the proposed reforms.
The driver, Henry Long, received an extended sentence of 16 years for manslaughter and is not eligible for early release under the current proposal. The police chiefs highlighted in their letter that changes to release arrangements can erode public trust when offenders are freed significantly earlier than originally anticipated, affecting victims, bereaved families, and the public.
"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 letter states. The police leaders are advocating for release decisions to incorporate the impact of policy changes on victims, public protection, policing, and overall confidence in the justice system.
The chiefs also expressed concern that the release of PC Harper's killers would send a discouraging message to law enforcement officers. "Officers and staff understand that the law must be applied as it stands. But they will question what message this sends about the value placed on their service and sacrifice when they put themselves in harm's way to protect others," the letter reads.
The government is reportedly considering alternative measures to address prison capacity, including potentially relocating female inmates to create space for male offenders. However, concerns have been raised by prison staff representatives regarding the feasibility and safety of such repurposing. The Prison Officers Association noted that converting women's prisons for male inmates would require significant additional staffing, training, and security, as well as assessments of the physical suitability of the facilities.
Downing Street has reportedly contacted PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, after she expressed anger at having received no communication from the government regarding the planned early release of Cole and Bowers.