A Suffolk police constable has become one of 50 police officers to sign a letter addressed to Andy Burnham to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers.
PC Harper, 28, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged by a car down a country road as three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time and passengers, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter but could be eligible for early release under the new Sentencing Act.
The open letter, signed by 50 policing and law enforcement leaders from across the UK including Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, calls for stronger protections for victims and communities when release arrangements change.
It said: "Dear Prime Minister,
"We welcome your intervention regarding the potential earlier release of those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper, and your instruction to the Justice Secretary to examine what can lawfully be done.
"When the state asks people to run towards danger on behalf of the public, they should be able to trust that the justice system will stand behind them when the worst happens.
"PC Andrew Harper's case also raises a wider question.
"When someone is sentenced for an exceptionally serious offence, how much confidence can victims, bereaved families and the public place in that sentence if subsequent changes to release arrangements result in an offender being released significantly earlier than originally anticipated?
"Families across the country are now facing the distress of learning that offenders may be released earlier than they understood when the sentence was passed.
"Our concern is for all victims and families affected by serious offending sentencing changes."
The letter raises concerns that police officers and staff will question the message sent in such situations.
The members added: "We are also collectively concerned that an approach to early release which does not sufficiently distinguish the most serious offending risks undermining public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system."
The letter goes on to ask the government to consider three measures:
First, that every lawful option is examined to determine whether the earlier release of those responsible for PC Andrew Harper's death can be prevented.
Second, that the government establishes an additional public protection safeguard in cases involving the most serious offenders whenever future changes to sentencing on release arrangements are considered.
Third, victims and bereaved families must be properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.
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