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service deriving from the unfair criticism it receives and the influence of the current

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‘financial constraints’ (A4:Q11) . Some feel that the pastoral situation reflects that
within wider society, although others suggest that police officers ‘see so much (they)

have to make an effort not to be deadened to it’. In this regard ‘a key issue within the
police is loneliness’, with staff members ‘reluctant to spill the beans about their

feelings’.

The final theme concerns the future direction of ministry within the police service.

Chaplains outlined practical support that could improve their ministry such as
increased access to e-mail, improved publicity, and better opportunities for dialogue

across the service (A4:Q15, Q18). They likewise proposed a more public role feeling
they are well placed to ‘represent the service to the public’ (A4:Q7), and to be
involved in community engagement initiatives (A4:19). On the whole the chaplains

were against the performance monitoring of their ministry, considering it impractical
and unquantifiable as the benefits of their actions may only ‘materialise a long time

afterward’, ‘cannot (always) be seen’, and because ‘spiritual....wellness cannot be
measured’ (A4:Q16). However they did accept that there is room for a wider

interpretation of ministry within the service, and it was proposed the constabulary
could benefit from ‘more chaplains from outside the Church of England’, developing

‘lay pastoral teams’, and establishing a multi-faith perspective of chaplaincy. Ministry
training and some authentication by the sending church / faith community was seen
as an essential pre-requisite to a person assuming a ministry role (A4:Q17). The

benefit of chaplaincy as demonstrated on a national level was seen to be significant,
and full-time chaplaincy was suggested as the best model to ensure that the ministry

is ‘grounded within the service’ (A4:Q18).

c) An evaluation of the research

In evaluating the research we should be mindful of its limitations. The survey sample

involved a relatively small number of officers and staff deriving from a very specific

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Conversely one chaplain stated that the service “appears in good heart” (A4:Q11).