Thin Blue Line UK has renewed its support for the growing campaign to prevent the early release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. On Thursday 6th August 2026, Thin Blue Line UK used its social media platforms to urge supporters to sign the petition opposing the early release of those responsible for the death of Police Constable Andrew Harper.

Since then, public backing for the campaign has continued to grow, with the petition now standing at an incredible 986,790 signatures, demonstrating the strength of feeling from both the policing family and the wider public.

The charity has consistently maintained that allowing those convicted of killing police officers to benefit from early release arrangements sends the wrong message to officers who place themselves in harm's way every day to protect their communities.

This week, Thin Blue Line UK welcomed reports that fifty police chiefs and law enforcement leaders from across the United Kingdom have signed an open letter calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to pursue "every lawful option" to prevent the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of those convicted in connection with PC Harper's death. The intervention came shortly after the Prime Minister stated that he was"confident" the proposed early release of Cole and Bowers in January could be prevented.

In their letter, the policing leaders welcomed the Prime Ministers intervention, stating "This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper's case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again".

The letter also highlighted wider concerns across policing regarding public confidence in the criminal justice system and the impact such decisions can have on victims, bereaved families and frontline officers. Police leaders warned that officers who routinely run towards danger on behalf of the public must have confidence that the justice system recognises the risks and sacrifices made in service to others. Following the publication of the open letter, Downing Street pointed to comments previously made by the Prime Minister, in which he pledged to do "everything in his power" to prevent the early release of Cole and Bowers.

At Thin Blue Line UK, we understand through our daily work with officers, staff and their families that policing carries significant and lasting consequences. The physical, emotional and psychological impact of the job extends far beyond the frontline, affecting not only officers but also the loved ones who support them throughout their careers.

Aileen O'Connor, Chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, captured the feelings of many across the policing community when she said "This decision pours salt into wounds that have never healed. Andrew Harper's family deserved better. Every police officer in this country deserves better".

Bev, a Trustee of Thin Blue Line UK said "At Thin Blue Line UK, we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our policing family. We recognise the sacrifices officers, staff and their loved ones make every day in service to the public, and we remain committed to offering advice, support and signposting to help protect the mental health and wellbeing of those who serve. Our message is simple... if you are struggling, you are not alone. We will always endeavour to support anyone who reaches out to us and ensure that officers know there is a community standing behind them. Policing can have a profound impact on physical and mental wellbeing, and it is vital that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others receive the same care, compassion and support when they need it most. We welcome the support from Chief Constables in their commitment to supporting officers across the country, here at Thin Blue Line UK will continue to champion the welfare of the policing family and ensure their voices are heard".

For many within policing, this issue is about more than a single case. It is about ensuring that those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of the public are afforded the respect, protection and justice they deserve. It is also about ensuring that serving officers know they are supported, valued and never forgotten.

Thin Blue Line UK Stands Together...

💙 We stand with Police Officers right across the United Kingdom.

💙 We stand with the family of PC Andrew Harper.

💙 We stand with the fifty police chiefs who have united in calling for justice.

💙 We stand with every member of the policing family who feels let down by this decision.

💙 We will continue to support efforts to ensure that the voices of officers, staff, victims and families are heard.

If you have not yet signed the petition, we encourage you to add your name and support the campaign. With almost one million signatures and growing, the message from the policing family and the public is clear: justice must be seen to be done.

Somebody, somewhere, must finally listen... you can sign the petition by clicking HERE.