Familiar face takes on new role

A strong conviction in chaplaincy and a deep abiding respect for the work of police motivate Father John Walls in his new national role as Coordinating Chaplain for NZ Police.

For the last five years John has been the police chaplain at Wellington Central. Before that he spent three years as chaplain to Hastings police. Now, in addition to his coordinating chaplain role, he is also chaplain to the Police National Headquarters.

John initially got into police chaplaincy after he was approached to take on the Hastings role. He hasn't looked back since.

Police chaplains, he says, offer more in the way of service than simply leading funeral services, although that can be a critical part of their role.

"We're there in the less traumatic but just as important situations too, and that is most of our work really; someone people can talk things over with, who is a familiar face but who has ears not involved in day-to-day policing.

"If people see us as part of the wider welfare support for police and as a friendly and easy channel to use, then that's good," he says. "If they also see us as representing God, and aren't frightened by that word, then that's good too but the important thing is we're there to listen. In fact, I think many are very content to be reminded that God has an eye on us all."

John enjoys his work as a police chaplain. He says his job has brought him into contact with people he may never have had the opportunity to meet. "I've made so many friends in my role with police. It is a unique organisation – very few institutions enjoy the sense of camaraderie that's evident here."

John will be based in the Police National Headquarters, Wellington and will lead a team of 46 chaplains providing pastoral care to police staff around the country.