Police Federation condemns plans that could allow police killers early release

6 August 2026

Nottinghamshire Police Federation secretary Tom Hill has condemned proposals that could see people convicted of killing police officers released from prison early, as pressure grows to ensure those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper serve their full sentences.

As part of reforms to the UK Sentencing Act, the Government previously announced plans for an early release scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding.

Following concerns over the proposals, Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for an urgent review. The outcome saw a number of high-risk offenders excluded from the scheme on the basis that they were considered too dangerous to be released early.

However, the exclusion list does not currently include those convicted of killing police officers - a decision Tom described as ‘extremely disappointing and concerning’.

PC Andrew Harper

The strength of feeling surrounding the issue has been reflected nationwide, with more than 523,000* people signing a petition launched by Thames Valley Police Federation calling for PC Andrew Harper’s killers to be excluded from any early release arrangements.

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in August 2019 while responding to reports of a quad bike theft.

Tom said: “The overwhelming response to this petition shows the strength of feeling both within policing and across the country. This is not a minor concern - it is a matter of justice, accountability and respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Those who take the life of a police officer while they are carrying out their duty must serve the full sentence handed down by the courts. Anything less would be a grave injustice and would send a deeply troubling message that the sacrifices made by officers and their families can be disregarded.

Sentence

“The impact of losing an officer does not end when a sentence is passed. Their colleagues continue to carry that loss, and their families and loved ones live with the consequences every single day. The idea that those responsible could be released early, without completing their full sentences, is understandably devastating.

“The Government must urgently reconsider its decision to exclude these offenders from the list of those barred from early release. Failing to do so risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and would be a profound disservice to every officer who puts their life on the line to protect others.”

Under the revised plans, prisoners convicted of rape, grooming and serious child sexual offences will not be eligible for early release.

While Tom welcomed the decision to exclude these offenders in the interests of public safety, she questioned why those responsible for killing police officers had not been treated in the same way.

The current plans could see around 5,000 prisoners have their sentences reduced through a phased early release programme beginning this October, in addition to the approximately 4,500 prisoners already released across the country each month.

Convicted

Among those who could potentially benefit from the scheme are Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted for their involvement in the death of PC Andrew Harper. The pair were passengers in the vehicle that fatally dragged the 28-year-old officer along a country road, and each received 13-year sentences.

“Under no circumstances can this be allowed to happen,” Tom continued. 

“The actions of those two individuals caused unimaginable and permanent harm to PC Harper’s family and loved ones. Seven years on, they continue to live with that loss, and the last thing they should have to face is knowing those responsible could be released before completing their sentences.

“That is not justice, and it risks sending the message that the service and sacrifice of police officers can be overlooked or taken for granted.”

Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) national chair Tiff Lynch has also raised concerns about the impact of the Sentencing Act reforms on the value placed on policing and warned that a poorly designed early release scheme could damage public confidence in the justice system.

Members of the public can sign the petition calling for PC Andrew Harper’s killers to be excluded from early release consideration.

Sign the petition here.

*figure correct at time of writing

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