THAMES Valley Police has thanked communities across the Thames Valley and beyond following an “extraordinary outpouring” of support in memory of PC Andrew Harper.
Saturday, August 15, marked the seventh anniversary of his death, and also saw a national petition organised by the Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation in relation to the proposed early release of two of those convicted of his death surpass one million signatures.
PC Andrew Harper was killed on 15 August 2019 while responding to reports of a burglary in Berkshire. Seven years later, his memory remains deeply important to colleagues, friends, family and the communities he served.
Over recent weeks, thousands of people from local communities have shared letters and messages of support, attended events, engaged in discussions and added their names to the petition.
Police leaders, victims’ representatives, elected officials and members of the public from across the United Kingdom have joined calls for the Government to reconsider the decision, raising broader questions about justice, sentencing and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Earlier this month, the Chief Constable joined the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Chief Constables, and senior law enforcement leaders from across the United Kingdom in signing a joint open letter to the Prime Minister.
The move followed growing concern from Andrew’s family, Thames Valley Police, the Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and communities across the UK, after confirmation that two of those responsible for Andrew’s death remained eligible for early release from prison.
The letter called for all lawful avenues to be explored in reviewing the case, highlighted the importance of robust risk assessments when considering the release of serious offenders, and emphasised that the voices of victims’ families must remain central to decisions that have a lifelong impact on those affected by crime.
The Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, said: “As we mark another anniversary of Andrew’s death, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and all those who continue to live with that loss every day.
“Andrew’s death has had a profound impact on Thames Valley Police, and is also felt among our communities across the Thames Valley who followed the case from the very beginning and who have never forgotten his service and sacrifice.
“Over recent weeks we have seen an extraordinary level of support from members of the public, colleagues across policing and people from all walks of life.”
“This has always been about more than a single case,” CC Hogg said.
“It has become a discussion about justice, public confidence and how as a society we recognise the service and sacrifice of emergency workers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, as well as the impact the early release of offenders inevitably has on victims.
“The response from the public has demonstrated just how strongly people feel about this issue. The support shown to Andrew’s family, his colleagues and the wider policing family reflect the deep respect communities have for those who serve the public.
“It also reflects a wider expectation that decisions relating to serious offenders are subject to rigorous scrutiny and that the voices of bereaved families are heard throughout the process.”
