... Stigma no longer attached to unit
REVEREND PENELOPE Morgan-Owens, assistant chaplain for Area 5 of the JCF, which encompasses St Catherine North, St Catherine South, St Andrew North, and St Thomas, says that with the perception that police officers are not human beings, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of police personnel.
“We see the humanness in their lives. From their own individual lives to that of their children and family members, we offer support. It is a privilege to see the bonding that takes place between the officers and their families and even those that do not know each other. There is a high level of camaraderie,” said Morgan-Owens, who is a former guidance counsellor with more than 23 years’ experience in the field.
‘We try to mitigate any issues as early as possible to minimise and eradicate any negative responses.’
The Reverend Dr Mortimer Mullings, who has responsibility for Area 4, which includes the Corporate Area, except St Andrew North, said that they approach their job with the perspective that the body goes through physiological and physiological stress and that the mind is not immune to intrusive thoughts.
MITIGATE ISSUES
“We try to mitigate any issues as early as possible to minimise and eradicate any negative responses,” Mullings said.
At present, the JCF Chaplaincy Services Branch comprises the chief chaplain, who is supported by the seven assistant chaplains. Then, there are the 500 volunteer chaplains and 33 peer counsellors.
When persons are selected to join the JCF, recruits are exposed to the chaplain, who also sits on the selection panel. Successful recruits have contact with the chaplain and his team throughout as he interacts and offers support to the soon-to-be police officers.
Buddhoo-Fletcher says that they have purposefully integrated the chaplaincy services into the police force so that they can have a proactive approach.
“In former years, if you come to see the chaplain, it would be a stigma. But now, the chaplain gets involved in policing activities. You come to see the chaplain for an array of things, and in addition to that, the chaplain comes to see you,” Buddhoo-Fletcher said.