Page 60 - 3.faith-ministry

60

Appendix 4 – Results of the Interviews with Police Chaplains

The details concerning the aims of the interviews with chaplains, and how they were
conducted can be located within the introduction of the main work.

Background Information

At the start of each interview each respondent was asked to identify some very basic
background information.

In terms of faith group or denomination all seven chaplains interviewed identified
themselves as belonging to the Church of England. Six of these are ordained
ministers and one is a non-ordained Reader. All interviewees are part-time chaplains
in the police and all are voluntary, being unpaid for their police ministry. This is also
the situation with regard to all of the chaplains within the area of Devon and Cornwall
Constabulary. In terms of service the time in ministry among the chaplains is varied
ranging from three to thirty six years.

Question 1 – How did you come to be involved in police chaplaincy?

The responses to this question were varied. Two respondents stated they were
encouraged to apply by another police chaplain. Four respondents outlined that
they were proactive in offering their service. Of these two already had some
experience of police liaison / chaplaincy work in another force area. One
respondent was actually ordained while still a serving police officer. There was
one chaplain who came into this ministry rather by default having assisted at an
operational incident where a male threatened self harm. It was a police officer
who was a friend that invited him into this situation and he became a chaplain
thereafter. One respondent stated that the Chief Constable had been proactive in
approaching the Anglican Bishops of Truro & Exeter requesting volunteers for
police chaplaincy.

Question 2 – What was the selection process?

None of those chaplains interviewed identified any formal selection process.
Some were visited by the senior police chaplain prior to taking up chaplaincy
duties. Two chaplains outlined that the Bishops had to approve the appointment.
Likewise other chaplains did state that moves were afoot to develop the selection
process with selection by means of formal interview and appointments made for
three years.

Question 3 – What induction or training was provided, and is there ongoing
development or formation for chaplains?

In terms of induction training on entering police ministry, few of those chaplains
interviewed received any formalised training. Three chaplains stated there was no
training at all upon joining the service. Others were involved in an informal