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required, and the force intranet and internet sites were identified as an opportunity to
achieve this. It was proposed that there could be a better perception regarding issues
of faith and how faith can influence the decisions people make.

Ministry / Chaplaincy – The existing model of chaplaincy was questioned and the
military model with professional chaplains attached to the police was proposed as a
more positive method of ministry. It was also suggested that the service needed a
wider perspective with regard to ministry, and needed to create better opportunities
for staff to express their faith within the organisation. With regard to chaplains it was
felt there should be more opportunity for staff to meet and interact with their chaplain,
and for chaplains to be a more visible presence. The service should seek to enhance
the awareness of the role of the chaplain. Peer support was raised positively and it
was considered that more opportunities in this regard should be arranged. More
regular meeting time for those of faith was likewise suggested. Faith support is
understood as a natural process but more people need to be made aware of it and
given the opportunity to be involved.

Question 18 - Should faith ministry within the police be independent from the
service? – See Figure 11.

Question 19 - Do ministers within the service need to understand the policing
environment? – See Figure 11.

25

20
Figure 11

15

Yes

10 No
Not Stated/Not sure

5

0
18. Should faith ministry within 19. Do ministers within the
the police be independent from service need to understand the
the service? policing environment?

In relation to question 19 respondents were asked to provide reasons for their
responses.

For those who answered yes to the question that ministers do need to understand
the policing environment, the responses indicated the following: A significant number
of respondents highlighted the uniqueness of the policing environment and culture