The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, has stated he will consider joining legal action against the government if it proceeds with the early release of two individuals convicted of PC Andrew Harper's manslaughter.
The Police Federation is contemplating a judicial review to challenge the potential early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers. Both were sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2020 after being convicted of manslaughter in connection with PC Harper's death in August 2019.
PC Harper, 28, died after being dragged by a car as Cole, Bowers, and Henry Long fled a quad bike theft scene in Berkshire. Long, who was driving, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release.
Mr. Hogg, who was on duty the night PC Harper died, told BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday morning that he would "certainly" consider joining the Police Federation in court action, pending legal advice. He also stated he had written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham 12 days ago to express concerns about Cole and Bowers' potential inclusion in the early release scheme, but had not received a reply.
The government plans to release approximately 5,000 prisoners from October who have served a third of their sentence, in response to critical prison capacity levels in England and Wales.