14 Ways Church Members Can Improve Police Relations

14 Ways Church Members Can Improve Police Relations

By Mark Tyler

1.  Inform local police stations of community service dates so they know when you will be out in the neighborhood.—Kati Britton, communication assistant for the North American Division ACS
2. Take baked goods or groceries to the station then stay and chat awhile.—Britton  
3. Invite the local sheriff or chief of police to address the congregation during a service. “I guarantee they would be honored and pleased to attend,” says William J. Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations.
4. Inform congregants that nine out of 10 police chiefs and sheriffs view what they’re trying to do as being in accord with God’s will.—Johnson
5. Ask the station for officers’ prayer requests, promise to pray about them then follow up. “We really need people’s prayers,” says Johnson.
6. Help the congregation understand that 9 out of 10 police chiefs and sheriffs view what they’re trying to do as being in accord with God’s will.—Johnson
7. Host a safety fair or meet and greet with the local police department so officers and church members can interact in a positive, peaceful setting.—Michelle Boykins, senior director of communication for the National Crime Prevention Council
8. Invite local law enforcement officer to bring McGruff the Crime Dog for a series of safety presentations to the church youth groups.— Boykins
   for the National Crime Prevention Council
9. Offer to host a neighborhood watch meeting at the church.—Boykins
10. Consider hosting or being a part of the Celebrate Safe Communities program each October, which is National Crime Prevention Month.—Boykins
11. Designate a day for community members to wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement, or participate in Project Blue Light.—Boykins
12. Have church youth groups send handmade thank-you cards or cards of support to your local police department.—Boykins
13. Share a positive story on the church website or social media channels about a positive law enforcement experience.—Boykins
14. Ask children in your community to write letters of support for law enforcement that can be published in the local community newspaper or online newspaper.—Boykins

Read more about how the Seventh-day Adventist church helped the community in Baltimore following the riots here.