The purpose of the Police Christian Support Network in New Zealand.
History
Over the years there have been Christian Police staff who have discussed forming some sort of Police Christian group. A renewed impetus in 2004 led to a consultation held at the RNZPC in August 2004 where about 20 Christian staff and chaplains, from various parts of the country, gathered for a weekend to explore the need for, and viability of, a national Christian Police group.
In 2005 a small group worked on forming a policy which would bring the Network into being, and give it recognised status within the Police. The Network officially came into being in September 2005 when the Police Executive signed off the Police Christian Support Network policy.
Purpose
The network is a means of connecting Christian staff with each other. In some stations and Areas there are locally organised activities where Christian staff get together – for prayer, Bible study, social events, developing friendships or just to support each other. However, in many places there is no overt Christian presence and in small stations, there may be little opportunity for work-based Christian encouragement. The aim is to support and encourage Christian staff. A twice yearly newsletter is one means of supporting and encouraging Christian staff, including those most isolated from Christian colleagues.
The network does not receive any funding from the New Zealand Police and membership of the network is free.