The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has said police officers across the country are “definitely” feeling let down by the Government’s handling of plans that could see two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers released early.
The comments come as pressure continues to mount on Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the Government’s early-release scheme, introduced as part of efforts to tackle overcrowding in England’s prisons.
PC Andrew Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 after becoming caught in a strap attached to a car towing a stolen quad bike in Berkshire. Three teenagers were later convicted of manslaughter.
Two of those convicted, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, are currently eligible for release under the Government’s plans.
Police chiefs demand action
All 43 chief constables in England and Wales, alongside other senior policing figures, have urged the Prime Minister to prevent the pair from being released early.
The police chiefs warned that allowing serious offenders to benefit from the scheme could damage confidence in the justice system and have a significant impact on police morale.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said officers were concerned about the message being sent to the policing community.
Asked whether officers felt let down, the commissioner said they “definitely” did.
The comments add to growing criticism of the Government’s approach, with senior officers arguing that those responsible for the death of a serving police officer should not benefit from the scheme.
Government under pressure
The Government has already faced intense criticism from PC Harper’s family and police organisations.
Burnham has said he wants to find a way to prevent Harper’s killers from being released under the scheme. However, critics have questioned why they were initially eligible and why changes are now being considered after the case attracted widespread public attention.
A petition opposing the potential release has attracted almost 900,000 signatures, adding further pressure on ministers.
The controversy comes as the Government attempts to reduce pressure on an overcrowded prison system. Under the proposed arrangements, some offenders could become eligible for release after serving around 40% of their sentence, although ministers have announced plans to tighten the exclusions.
Probation leaders have also warned that the system is already under significant pressure and could struggle to safely manage additional offenders released into the community.
For police officers, however, the issue goes beyond prison capacity.
Senior policing figures say the treatment of PC Harper’s killers has become a question of trust, justice and confidence in the system, with officers watching closely to see whether the Government ultimately blocks their early release.