Observations of a Police Chaplain

Sometime ago at a train accident in Plainfield, Chaplain Hinckley made some observations. He asked about the Engineer and Conductor. How they were doing? The Railroad accident investigator said that the policy for the railroad is to assure that the Engineer and Conductor are all right and ask the obvious questions for their and the police departments reports, and then to send them home, give them the next day or so off and reminding them of the employee assistance programs in place. He was encouraged that Chaplain Bill asked about the Engineer and Conductor stating that most people forget about them and the accompanying stress that they are under as all that they can do is apply the brakes. They can not steer clear where the tracks go is where the train goes. In this case the train continued for 20 car lengths before coming to a complete stop. On the other hand, the officer who was assigned the case had been working an hour over on second shift to cover for a third shift officer. Subsequently, he stayed on the case taking photos and looking at this sight that would make most people sick. The body was finally removed approximately 7 hours after the accident. This officer worked an 18 hour day and then had to return to work in 6 hours for his next shift.

Today’s news paper reported Hartford — Threats against a police officer are not protected free speech, the state’s highest court ruled Friday. While the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a person’s right to hurl fighting words at police, the Connecticut Supreme Court said Friday that such a right does not extend to threats, even if the threat is not imminent. The court ruled 4-1 to uphold the breach of peace conviction of Dante DeLoreto, a Wethersfield man arrested in 2000 after a pair of heated confrontations with town police. Police officers are people who are not insensitive, yet are expected to be. These incidents that bring stress into the lives of everyday people and effect their emotional and physical well-being. Do have an effect on these officers as well although they may be able to hide it that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Jesus said take my yoke upon you in essence He is saying let me carry this burden with you. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

In the event of a bank robbery (Plainfield had 2 in June) the bank closes down and all the employees have a defusing. That is they are able to talk about their feelings, fears, emotions and to be forewarned what may ensue in the next few days or weeks, If needed some time off is appropriate.

Police officers are people who are not insensitive, yet are expected to be. These incidents that bring stress into the lives of everyday people and effect their emotional and physical well-being. Do have an effect on these officers as well although they may be able to hide it that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.