Common Sense

This will be a "politically incorrect" response to something Calgary Police Service has implemented in what used to be called "Chaplaincy". This is solely my opinion. I write this after speaking with a couple of CPS officers individually two days ago, when they pointed out a few more facts about a strange decision to restrict access by their Chaplains to the members . Today came news about the suicide of a Calgary cop.

In my experience as a Police Chaplain in Toronto and knowledge of chaplaincy across law enforcement around the world, I have no problem calling out the leadership of CPS for their terrible decision. This happened months ago so what the officers were reacting to, has already been enforced. No ride alongs are allowed and Chaplains are no longer permitted into briefings prior to shifts. Both are a common practice in police services. Chaplains are no longer allowed to be called "Chaplains" and beautiful donated pews in the HQ chapel have been removed and replaced with folding chairs. I kid you not!

You may already have picked up where this is all going. Christians are no longer welcome. The reason is simple: it offends somebody. Because of this, a valuable and necessary resource for the wellbeing of frontline officers, their families and other members, has effectively been removed.

There has always been a stark difference between Chaplains and company psychologists and other mental health professionals. As Chaplains we get to be boots on the ground during ride alongs and even the parades (briefings) prior to heading out for a shift. We are able to build relationships and more importantly trust so that when issues do arise, we are a safe place to go for help. That has been removed in Calgary.

The removal of pews boarders on pettiness. The interesting thing is that this is all done under the label of "diversity". Toronto Police, where I served as a Chaplain for many years, was the first in Canada to focus on diversity. The Canadian Police Chaplain Association has increasingly brought in diverse voices within it's organization but none have eliminated the Christian backbone of Police Chaplaincy.

The question is, who came up with this idea? I will not point fingers at anyone because in Toronto and the CPCA, we have worked together despite our individual faith traditions. When I moved to Alberta 2 years ago, I approached the lead Chaplain about the possibility of joining CPS as a Chaplain. Her response was a clear one: "Christians need not apply". That was not her decision but one that had been made for her.

When I woke up this morning to hear of another law enforcement suicide, I was quite frankly angered more than anything else. Somehow we still have people in leadership positions in the 1st Responder community that believe their personal beliefs trump the wellbeing of those who serve. Having access to a Chaplain might not have prevented today's suicide but it certainly could have helped. All resources need to be easily accessed and in Calgary that has changed.

Let me make something very clear. Chaplains, regardless of their faith, are there to serve all members regardless of the their faith or lack there of. We do not promote our faith by preaching or judging. I always joke that none of us would have a job if we preached at officers. Somehow that fact has never reached the individuals who make these decisions of exclusion.

I want to encourage the management of CPS to revisit the decisions made to limit the effectiveness of your Chaplains. You owe it to your men and women and their families.