'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

I wish that we could hear more good stories about police officers and CSO's - they are out there but they just don't make the headlines for all the good stuff they do.. This week the Divisional Commander asked me to go and see a retired doctor who had been subjected over a lengthy period to some racial harassment and abuse. I discovered that he was Asian in his origin and that he had become a Christian Believer some years ago. His long life had been spent in this country and more recently in Bangladesh, India and China using all his skills to bring healing. None of this made any difference to the local youths who thought it a delight to throw dog faeces from a nearby bin at his windows and the walls of his home where he lives alone. He told me how the local CSO had come to investigate his complaint. He did not just stop at taking the complaint though. He obtained all the necessary cleaning materials and thouroughly cleaned the windows and the walls. This made me reflect... would I have done that? A simple act of human kindness, above and beyond the mere call of duty to help restore and affirm this good man's faith in others and his trust in the police service. Well done that CSO!

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young... (1 Timothy 4:12a

Several weeks ago I went to the Training Wing for my regular input spot to the Student Constables Course. This is an hour when I am able to set out the stall of a Police Chaplain and his/her work and field all the questions that follow. Its normally a fairly lively exchange. On Tuesday evening this week I went to the great hall of one of our local schools which was convened as a Magistrates Court for the Attestation Ceremony for the same group. Nowadays the police service does not do 'pomp and circumstance' like it use to do and there is no Passing Out Parade at the end of Probationary Training - so this is the only ceremony that moms and dads, spouses, partners and children get to see. I think that what struck me on this occasion was the youth of the student officers - and before you even think it - I know I am geting old etc...
But they really were young. There were no ex-military, no fit 45yr olds setting out on a new career path, just young men and women attempting to 'stand at ease' until their names were called, then walking swiftly (no marching here) to the platform to receive a series of handshakes from the great and the good, a warrant card and a certificate of appoinment.
Talking to them again at the not half bad buffet afterwards, they were all gossiping enthusiastically about the coming week when they would be doing their 'placements' at Schools, Social Services, Children's agencies and so on and this followed by spending the week before Christmas at a residential school at a Tyneside University as part of their degree studies. I do believe that this very different style of training will be a real benefit to them and to the public.
It will be June next year or thereabouts before they hit the streets for real. My prayer for them is that they will not lose their enthusiasm and drive and that - in this changing world - they will be valued by the communities they serve for their dedication and commitment and that no one will look down on them because they are young.