Spirit of the Law

Recently a veteran officer was in my office and saw my policemans bible on the desk and asked about it. I don't initiate these conversations at work but if someone opens the door I will gladly step through it. He commented about how he would like one so I told him I had an order coming in and would save one for him. A couple weeks went by and the bibles came in and I was able to give a bible to him in the gym during a morning workout.

He thanked me and shared a little about his past and how strong his faith was. He had been away from the church for awhile for his own reasons but we talked about faith and spirituality, how he felt impressed to pursue his faith again and how our lives as policemen can be tough with the "stuff" we deal with. We talked about how a spiritual life helps have the right approach and respect for others.

More working out... more talking about spirituality in police work and he shared that on his previous shift he and other officers arrested a perp for drug related charge who had a gun. The perp cooperated and everything went well. The veteran commented that the perp told him he appreciated how the cops from our PD handled him. He told him that police contacts at a neighboring PD don't usually got hat way. The coppers there typically antognize him so they can throw him on the ground.

Now I know a guy who keeps running into the blue line needs to be taken with a grain of salt and I am certainly not judging my brothers in blue anywhere else. Anyone can have bad day... but the point is the perp noticed a difference, a good difference... a difference that led to a successful arrest with no one getting hurt and leaving a positive impression with the guy who went to jail... maybe he won't be inclined to use a gun next time he gets caught....now that is how spiritually oriented policing works my friends... its not about religion... its not about being soft on crime.. its' about being a centurion...doing your job ...by doing it professionally with treating others with respect and dignity while you hold them accountable... One of the best workouts I've had in awhile...

Feedback

The topic of police officer wellness is starting to spread across the country. There are four human dimensions that are in need of nourishing no matter who we are. Those dimensions are; spirituality, physical, mental and emotional. I am in the process of starting such a program in my agency and am looking for input from law enforcement personnel. I have just a few questions:

1. What does spirituality mean to you?
2. What involvement do you think your agency should have in supporting you in your goal of wellness?
3. Do you have a personal wellness plan? If you are comfortable please explain.

Thanks,

MG