Assiniboine College Public Safety Class 2024/2025 is underway with 15 young students aspiring to become future law enforcement officers. Recently, I was invited to provide my first presentation which focused on unpacking police chaplaincy. My emphasis was on the importance of emotional and spiritual care, celebrating diversity and inclusion of all faith groups and non-faith persons, conducting regular self-checks regarding potential prejudicial and discriminatory tendencies, strategies that helped me remain healthy during 33+ years in law enforcement, and the benefits of dialogue and relationship with police chaplains.
This is the 16th annual AC Police Studies/Public Safety Class I've instructed and since 2015 I've been sharing a presentation on police chaplaincy. This diverse group was very receptive to the presentation and it was truly an honor and privilege to spend 75 minutes with the aspiring police officers. It was my first presentation since retiring from active law enforcement, but it didn't feel much different presenting as a civilian.
The presentation concluded with an opportunity for each student to receive a gift which was the Project Sword book provided through the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers. FCPO President Ron Mostrey (Ret. Chief Superintendent) and his team developed this book a few years ago, which contains factual stories written by law enforcement personnel who have triumphed over adversity strengthened through their faith, all wrapped up within a NIV translation of the Bible. A career in law enforcement changes a person and it's essential that the person recognizes the changes and is proactive in dealing with change in a way that promotes strength in character, resiliency and perseverance. There are resources available that CPCA police chaplains are able to share with officers in the field, hopefully prior to a crisis situation, but also during crisis events.
As per previous years, the students were provided with the option of receiving a prayer blessing to encourage them in their studies and practical training exercises. I was appreciative of their receptivity to come forth and join me in a prayer huddle which was the highlight of my morning.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming months during which I will begin to instruct the students in a two week course I've entitled Forensic Crime Scene Management for Frontline Officers. It's going to be exciting getting to know these students based upon the diversity I observed within this class. Thank you, Jack Ewatski (Chairperson of Public Safety Program) for welcoming me back for another year of instruction.
If you are currently serving a law enforcement agency in Canada, consider becoming a member of the CPCA (Canadian Police Chaplain Association). The CPCA exists to train and connect chaplains across Canada providing on-line training courses, webinars, an ATS, and so much more. Check us out at https://www.canadianpolicechaplainassociation.com/
Warmest regards,
Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
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