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support, and being ‘outside of the police service, but connected’ to it.

In a similar vein two respondents identified that chaplains provided ‘an open ear,
a listening ear’, so that people could ‘offload’. With the opportunities for officers to
informally ‘debrief’ each other after difficult incidents or shifts, chaplains were
seen to fill the gap. In this regard chaplaincy has a role in ‘diffusing tensions’,
within the workplace.

The lack of publicity regarding chaplaincy was raised as a significant issue, along
with a frustration that chaplains need to more and are willing to do more but are
rarely called upon. One respondent felt chaplaincy was tokenistic and was simply
‘something to put before the HMI’ (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabularies).
Police chaplaincy was seen to be to come low down the list of priorities for
ministers who had other parish responsibilities. It was suggested that ‘no one
notices them (chaplains) until they are needed, but then it is probably a last
resort’.

Question 6 – Is the ministry still valid within the context of the police
service?

All respondents answered positively to this question although some did qualify
their response. Admiration was expressed for the Constabulary, the Christian
Police Association, and the Chief Constable for making it ‘cool’ to be a Christian
within the police service. Chaplains have been ‘put on an operational footing’
allowing them greater freedom to become involved in front line policing. Likewise
chaplains are represented at Gold Command level at the time of serious
incidents. It was suggested that there is a ‘real spiritual hunger’ within the police
service and there is real support for chaplains within the organisation. Also in the
current economic climate it is felt that the ministry has added validity in that ‘there
is anxiety for the future, it is a way for people to talk about their fears’.

One respondent felt that the validity of the role is dependent upon each individual
in that some derived value from the ministry while ‘others couldn’t care less,
others are embarrassed’, by it. Another chaplain agreed with this sentiment
indicating that it was valid as long as individual officers and staff wanted it. It was
suggested that even when staff could appear resistant the chaplain could still
enter into a meaningful dialogue. One chaplain told a story of how when at a
station the officers present were quick to declare that they were not religious. The
chaplain replied ‘neither am I’, and after awhile the officers began to share some
of their personal issues with the chaplain. In this regard the validity of chaplaincy
is understood in terms of ‘just being there for people’, ‘for those of any faith and
indeed no faith’.

One chaplain highlighted that the chaplaincy role also benefitted their wider
ministry by providing ‘an added dimension to our own ministry. It relieves the
monotony of the parish. I think it benefits both sides really’.

Question 7 – Where do chaplains fit within the police service?