Every police chief in Britain has urged Andy Burnham to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers. A letter from 50 police leaders, including Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar, heaps more pressure on the Prime Minister.
Letter warns of broken trust
The letter says: “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?”
Concerns extend beyond policing
The question extends “far beyond policing”, they said, adding that “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”.
The letter, which was signed by police chiefs of forces across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, added: “Officers and staff understand that the law must be applied as it stands. But they will question what message this sends about the value placed on their service and sacrifice when they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
Public safety at risk
“Police officers and staff see first-hand the impact serious crime has on victims and their families. They support people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives and ask them to place their trust in the justice system.
“That trust is vital and should not be weakened. We are also collectively concerned that an approach to early release which does not sufficiently distinguish the most serious offending risks undermines public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system.”
