The Police

+ Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney
3 Oct 2004

More than thirty years ago in a country town I was the junior priest in a parish where many gentlemen of the road called for a handout.  They were older in those days, generally the victims of alcohol and misfortune rather than drugs.

One evening we had such a visitor with an unusual predicament.  He was covered with an awful rash which he was frightened would spread to his face.  The local hospital had refused to admit him.  Could I arrange for him to be arrested and put in jail overnight, where he believed they would give him a change of clothes, hose him down and get him some relief?

I phoned the local inspector, whom I knew, and explained the request.  He came down immediately and took the vagrant off to jail.

This incident remains with me as a powerful memory of a strong, unsentimental policeman serving the community.

Last week it was the turn of St. Mary’s Cathedral to host the Remembrance Day Service for policemen and policewomen who have died doing their duty.  It is an important occasion because it enables us to pay public tribute, give honour where honour is due and, please God, provide some consolation and strength to the families of the bereaved.

What are the characteristics of a decent civilized community?  The way we treat the most disadvantaged is often suggested and this is important.  Another criterion, probably more important, is the way our laws are upheld by our police force and, of course, administered by our courts of justice.

We have many reasons for gratitude and pride on this score. Our police force is respected by the community, and is not hated and feared, except perhaps by serial criminals.

The threat of corruption is always present and exacerbated today, in comparison with years gone by, by the immense amount of money generated by the illegal drug trade.  But civic and police authorities are alive to these dangers and regular measures are taken, which often require courage, to contain and eliminate these evils.

Most Australians only encounter the police first hand when they are “picked up” for some minor traffic offences.  It is to be hoped that governments will not see such regulations primarily as a source of revenue rather than appropriate measures to control the road toll and remind us to drive correctly.  Pernickety regulations and disproportionate fines make the job of the police harder.

These small irritations and embarrassments can distract us from the vital contributions the police make to protect us from violence and theft and enable us to go about our business in peace and security.  There are many cities in the world where this is not possible and a public stroll is hazardous.

Respect and gratitude to the police are obligations for us and an encouragement to more good young men and women to join the force.