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<p>The Church of England is actively engaging with the police at many levels, especially
in providing support for vulnerable people. As senior figures in local civil society
bishops often meet with their local Chief Constables, bilaterally and with other community
leaders. The Street Pastors movement puts trained volunteers from local churches on
the streets where people need practical and other forms of help, often working in
partnership with those of other faiths. Following November’s tragic tram crash in
Croydon, Street Pastors were deployed for four days, working alongside the British
Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and the Rail Investigation Service, providing
pastoral support and escorting people to the main site to lay flowers in the cordoned-off
area.</p><p> </p><p>Church of England police chaplains work with the majority of police
forces, mostly parish clergy giving their time and energy as volunteers, though a
small number are employed full or part-time. Their major contribution is in supporting
police officers and staff in the demands of their day-to-day work, but they also engage
with local communities and support community cohesion. Chaplains and other volunteers
in many places also provide support to those held in police custody, especially vulnerable
people.</p><p> </p>
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