Thames Valley Police has welcomed confirmation from the Prime Minister that the two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper will not be released under previously proposed early release arrangements.
The force said the decision would be welcomed by many across policing and local communities.
PC Harper, 28, was killed while responding to a burglary near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019.
He was dragged for more than a mile behind a car after attempting to stop a group of men who had been involved in the theft of a quad bike.
Three men were convicted of his manslaughter in 2019.
Henry Long and Jessie Cole were each sentenced to 16 years in prison, while Albert Bowers was sentenced to 13 years.
The case prompted widespread public and political debate, including calls for tougher sentences for people who kill emergency workers.
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg recently met Lord Chancellor David Lammy alongside the force’s Police Federation chair Aileen O’Connor and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber.
The meeting focused on concerns over the potential early release of offenders and the wider impact on victims, bereaved families, communities and policing.
Mr Hogg said the confirmation from the Prime Minister would provide reassurance.
“Today’s confirmation that these offenders will not be released under the proposed arrangements will be welcomed by many across policing and our communities,” he said.
He added that the force had consistently raised concerns about the potential effect the proposed arrangements could have on PC Harper’s family, friends and colleagues.
“Throughout this process, our focus has been on ensuring that the voices of victims, families, colleagues and communities were heard and understood and properly considered alongside the wider challenges facing the criminal justice system,” he said.
Mr Hogg said the case had “resonated far beyond Thames Valley Police”.
He said the announcement could provide reassurance to other victims and bereaved families who had followed the issue and wanted confidence that the most serious offences were treated appropriately.
“Today is not about politics,” Mr Hogg said.
“It is about remembering Andrew, recognising the profound impact his death continues to have on those who knew him, the communities he protected and those who serve in policing today.”
PC Harper’s widow, Lissie, has previously campaigned for changes to the law and for those convicted of killing emergency workers to face tougher consequences.
His death led to the introduction of “Harper’s Law” in 2022, which created mandatory life sentences for people convicted of killing emergency workers while they are carrying out their duties.
The latest decision follows concerns raised across policing about proposed changes to the early release system and their potential impact on victims and their families.
