A BADGE, THE BIBLE AND SUICIDE IN THE
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
A thesis by Charisse Lurlene Welgemoed, submitted in part fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Theology in the subject Practical Theology - (Free PDF Download: 6568kb).
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ABSTRACT
Our greatest assets in the South African Police Service are the people with whom we work; we should treat them as our most precious resource. We need to handle them with care. We need to acknowledge that people work to live, not live to work. Once you choose law enforcement as a career you give up the right to be unfit. The question for the leadership of the SAPS is whether we want our employees to collapse as they cross the finish line or have an opportunity to continue to enjoy their life and reflect back positively on their years on the job. The presence of a moral compass and appropriate coping mechanisms represent major indicators of officer success. The organization should ensure that workplace conditions foster positive morale. As leaders, we must ensure that our member’s spiritual and mental wellness is addressed constantly. A qualitative research was conducted. Data was captured in the form of field notes; digital photographs were taken of the research setting in order to see through my eyes and to put readers in my shoes. I wanted to capture the spaces between research participants and myself, as well as the "atmosphere" within which interviews were conducted. A questionnaire was given to address police members on a one-on-one interview and also group interviews. Suicide is a common phenomenon in all Police agencies. Perceptions about police suicide, different suicide preventions strategies and the Chaplain’s role in preventing police suicide are also researched. By reading and working through the interviews, similar themes began to emerge. I found out that what is not working in the South African Police Service are these themes which include: lack of trust from commander, lack of support, lack of knowledge, pressure from the commander, disappointment, desperation, and attempted suicide. Pastoral counseling is an extremely vital role in giving support and dealing with the police members and the importance thereof was explained. It is a specialized type of pastoral care offered in response to individuals, couples or families who are experiencing and able to articulate the pain in their lives and willing to seek pastoral help in order to deal with it. Recommendations are made especially on increasing resource of personnel of the Employees Health and Wellness and how especially managers and Chaplains can get involved in effective supportive mechanisms.
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Free PDF Download - 6568kb
Lt Col (Dr) Cherisse Le Roux is from the Chaplain Service attached to the SAPS Academy in Paarl. She can be contacted via the email-button below.
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