Two of PC Andrew Harper's killers will not be released early, after the Prime Minister reversed the government's plans. Aileen O'Connor, chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, said officers were shocked that the men were ever considered for release.
Government reverses early release decision
Writing for The Mirror, O'Connor said PC Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job he loved, serving communities and society. His killers should never have been considered for early release by the government, she added, and police officers of all ranks across the country remain truly shocked that they were.
She said she is pleased that Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his government, despite what she called initial reluctance, eventually listened, saw sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.
Public and police pressure
O'Connor said the government had no option, as the weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming. More than one million people signed the federation's petition, which she described as historic public backing for police officers.
She also noted that 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the government to reconsider, which she said was unprecedented.
Assaults and stress on officers
O'Connor highlighted the dangers facing officers, saying a police officer is assaulted across the UK every 10 minutes. She cited figures showing 19,443 officers were signed off work over the past year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Three in 10 police officers and staff say they intend to leave policing within the next year, she said. She called for the government to protect and support officers, saying that change should start from now before it is too late.
Thanks and thoughts
O'Connor thanked everyone who backed the campaign, including the one million people who signed the petition and all those who offered messages of support, saying they have made a difference.
She noted the recent danger faced by colleagues in Cleveland, and said thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades. She also said thoughts remain with Andrew's wife Lissie, his family, friends and close colleagues in Thames Valley Police.
