The petition calling for those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper to remain in prison is nearing one million signatures – and Suffolk Police Federation is urging anyone who has not yet signed to add their name.

The unprecedented level of public support demonstrates that concern over the proposed early release of two of those convicted of PC Harper’s manslaughter extends far beyond policing.

Branch chair Darren Harris said the message from the public was clear.

“People understand what PC Andrew Harper was doing when he lost his life. He was at work, protecting the public, and he never came home,” said Darren.

PC Andrew Harper

“That is why this issue has struck such a chord. It is not just about a sentence or a change to the prison system. It is about whether the public can have confidence that the most serious consequences will follow when an officer is killed while carrying out their duty.

“If you haven’t signed the petition yet, I would strongly encourage you to do so. The more people who add their voice, the harder it is for Government to ignore the strength of feeling.”

PC Harper, 28, died in August 2019 after becoming caught in a strap and being dragged behind a vehicle while responding to a report of a theft.

Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the vehicle and were both 17 at the time, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Henry Long, who was driving the vehicle, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for the early-release arrangements.

Prisoner release

The possibility that Cole and Bowers could benefit from changes to the prisoner release system introduced to address severe overcrowding has prompted widespread anger.

For Darren, the implications reach into every police station in the country.

“Every officer who puts on a uniform knows there are occasions when they may have to put themselves in harm’s way,” he said.

“That is part of the responsibility we accept when we become police officers. But there also has to be confidence that the system will stand behind us when something goes catastrophically wrong.

“Officers and their families need to know that the sacrifice involved in this job is understood. They need to know that an officer’s life is not treated as an unfortunate footnote when decisions are made about sentencing and release.”

Harper’s Law was introduced following a campaign by PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper. The legislation created mandatory life sentences in certain circumstances where an emergency worker is unlawfully killed, although it could not apply retrospectively to those convicted before PC Harper’s death.

Widow

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has since announced a pause to the new early-release policy and ordered an urgent review following the public and political reaction.

Darren continued: “A pause does not resolve the problem, and a review does not by itself guarantee that these two men will remain in prison. Until the Government actually acts to prevent their early release, there is still a very real concern about what happens next.

“Words matter, but ultimately it is actions that will determine whether officers and the public can have confidence in the Government’s approach.”

Darren said the number of people supporting the petition should serve as a warning that the issue cannot simply be allowed to fade from public attention.

“Nearly a million people have taken the time to sign this petition. That tells us something important,” he said.

“It tells us that people who have never worn a police uniform understand the basic principle at stake here.

Ultimate price

“They know that Andrew Harper went to work to protect others and paid the ultimate price. They also understand why his family should not now have to face the additional pain of seeing those convicted over his death released earlier than expected.

“This is about Andrew, but it is also about every police officer who goes to work and every family who waves them off at the start of a shift.”

Darren ended by once again urging members to add their signature to the petition: “If you have already signed, thank you. If you haven’t, please take a couple of minutes to do it.

“The public has already made its voice heard in extraordinary numbers. We need to make sure that voice continues to be heard until there is a clear outcome.”

Sign the petition: Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper’s killers

READ MORE: Fallen officers honoured as Police Unity Tour comes to an end.