Police leaders unite in opposition to early release for PC Andrew Harper’s killers

5 August 2026

Two policing organisations have joined together in calling for the Government to urgently reconsider proposals that could allow those convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper to become eligible for early release.

The chair of Northamptonshire Police Federation, Sam Dobbs, and Joe Banfield, chair of the Northamptonshire Branch of the Superintendents’ Association, said the strength of feeling across policing reflects wider public concern over the issue.

Their comments come as more than 350,000 people have signed a petition launched by Thames Valley Police Federation calling for PC Harper’s killers to be excluded from any early release scheme introduced through proposed changes to the UK Sentencing Act.

While the proposals exclude certain high-risk offenders, they could mean that two of the three people convicted over PC Harper’s death may become eligible for release after serving half of their sentence.

Sam said he was disgusted and deeply concerned that the Government could even consider allowing someone convicted of killing a police officer to benefit from an early release scheme.

“Allowing those convicted of killing police officers to benefit from early release sends completely the wrong message about the value placed on those who protect our communities,” said Sam, who has signed the petition and is encouraging others to do so.

“I feel very strongly about this. Assaults on police officers have become more common, but they should never become more acceptable, and we must never lose sight of the seriousness of attacks on those who serve and protect the public.

“There needs to be a clear message that killing a police officer carries the most severe consequences. When someone takes the life of an officer, the impact is felt far beyond the individual loss - it affects policing, public service, and the safety and confidence of our communities.”

Sam said that while he recognises the need to free up prison spaces, this case must be reviewed independently.

“The way this is being spoken about by the Government is like this is merely solving a problem - this isn’t just another case,” he continued.

“We are talking about people who were involved in the killing of a police officer, and that cannot be treated as just another consequence of a wider sentencing policy. The circumstances and the victims must be recognised.”

Sam added: “We must never forget that behind every officer killed in the line of duty there is a family, friends and colleagues who carry that loss forever.”

Joe said the concern over the proposals was shared across policing, from frontline officers through to senior leaders.

“This is a huge issue for policing, and the feeling is felt across all ranks,” said Joe. “From junior officers to senior officers, collectively policing is appalled that this is even being considered.

Echoing Sam’s comments, Joe continued: “I completely understand that there are pressures facing the prison service and that solutions need to be found. But this cannot be looked at as just another case or simply as a way of resolving a practical problem.

“We are talking about people who were involved in the killing of a police officer. To treat this as just another sentencing decision risks losing sight of the seriousness of what happened and the impact it has had on so many people.

“This is about the wider justice system and public confidence. If we cannot get this right, how can the public have confidence that the system is getting it right?

“This is such a significant matter of public interest that we have to get it right. We cannot underestimate what this means to Andrew Harper’s family, his colleagues and policing as a whole.”

PC Andrew Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 while responding to the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire. He was dragged behind a vehicle on a country road while carrying out his duties for Thames Valley Police.

Three teenagers involved in the incident were later sentenced to a combined total of 42 years in prison. Two of those convicted - Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers - received 13-year sentences and could potentially become eligible for release after serving half of their custodial terms under current proposals.

Joe, who served with Thames Valley Police for 17 years, said he understood the lasting impact PC Harper’s death had on those who knew him and the wider policing community.

“This is not about playing politics. This is about standing together and making sure the voices of policing and the public are heard.

“There are already concerns among officers about whether they feel supported and valued. When decisions like this are being considered, it naturally raises questions about confidence and whether policing has the backing it needs.

“The public has spoken through this petition. More than 350,000 people have taken the time to sign it, showing their strength of feeling in a legitimate and measurable way.”

Sam added: “The Government needs to listen to the message this petition is sending and recognise the importance of maintaining confidence in the justice system.”

The petition remains open, and members of the public are being encouraged to add their names.

Sign the petition here.