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assisting with general policing issues and enquiries, and also operational planning
and community engagement was also highlighted.

More negative responses included: The limited presence of police chaplains and the
lack of definition of their role. Their lack of approachability, disinterestedness and the
limitations as to what assistance they could offer.

Other responses highlighted the positive role of the CPA which was viewed as
offering invaluable support involving personal relationships that made it easier to
seek support. Support from Christian colleagues was offered as a general alternative
to support from a chaplain. Some respondents felt that religion was strictly a private
matter and should not be encouraged in the workplace.

Question 5 - What support would you like to receive?

There were divergent responses to this open question. The most popular answers
were as follows:

Support through prayer – 21%
Being a listening Ear – 14%
Someone to be there or talk to – 10%
Encouragement in faith or being there in time of difficulty – 10%
Faith conversation – 7%

Other forms of support included: Advice on Christian living, faith issues and personal
matters; Provision of confidential advice, helping with community issues, and
facilitating communication with faith groups and communities. A desire for locally
based chaplaincy support was raised, with increased availability, visibility and interest
required from chaplains. There was a suggestion that staff could be signposted to
chaplains when other mechanisms for support were either inappropriate, or trust and
confidence were an issue. It was suggested that chaplains were more relevant to
non-Christian officers, although conversely it was suggested that chaplains could
attend CPA meetings, and help to normalise Christianity within the workplace.
Likewise a role for chaplains in providing advice on different faiths, and churches was
outlined.