Police chiefs call for PM to prevent early release of PC Harper's killers
Fifty police chiefs have written to the Prime Minister urging him to block the early release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. The letter argues that releasing those convicted of killing an officer undermines the sacrifice of police personnel.
Why it matters
This highlights the conflict between prison overcrowding policies and the public demand for justice in cases involving the death of law enforcement officers.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Police officer Andrew Harper suffered fatal injuries while on duty in 2019
Fifty police chiefs have signed a letter urging the prime minister to pursue "every legal option" to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
PC Harper, 28, died in 2019 when he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
The intervention comes shortly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "confident" the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in January could be prevented.
The letter welcomed the prime minister's intervention, adding: "This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper's case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again."
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