Within our diocese, we have the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) Chaplaincy, which was launched in June 2017 with the employment of the full time Lead Chaplain Revd Dom Jones. The aim of the Chaplaincy is to care for and serve the officers, staff and volunteers, as well as the families, of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police, of all faiths and none.
Volunteer chaplains are people of faith who have got a passion for their local community that extends to their local police force, and who, supported by their faith leader, give up time each week to support the officers and staff. The basic role of the volunteer chaplain is to provide safe, independent, confidential support and understanding to all, whether or not the individual has a defined religious belief.
Police chaplains are aware of the demanding nature of police work, of its distress, danger and trauma, and the potential de-humanisation of this. They understand everyone is a complete person – body mind and spirit – and offer care in this holistic way. Police chaplains also care for and support the organisation itself, including acting as “critical friends” within the decision making processes.