Across the Barricades

Photo: Daveybot via flickr.com

It felt strange to read that Graham Martin draws strength from the same Bible passage that prepares me for a day at work. I read with interest that he wishes to liberate those “dehumanised minions of an inhumane state” from the uniforms that enslave them, and bring to them “the joy, the myriad changes and variations or the affirmation of the smiles of those around them”. You see, I’m a Christian and a police officer.

In July 2005 I was one of a number of police offi cers from across the country who ‘vanned up’ and headed for Scotland to police the G8 related events. I’d previously worked football matches and my fair share of Saturday nights in the city centre, but this was the first time I had taken part in public order policing on that scale. Within a short time of arriving we were driving across Scotland at speed, mentally and physically preparing ourselves for what may lie ahead. Part of that physical preparation was ‘dehumanising’ myself: making sure I had everything I needed on my kit belt; putting my stab-proof vest on; making sure my boot laces were tied; ensuring my perspex riot shield was serviceable and clean; checking I could see through my helmet visor; and, should the need arise, that my baton worked too.

had previously considered why I was there and whether I was there simply to defend corrupt representatives of capitalism. Being a Christian I had my views on the decisions that politicians had previously taken and were due to take over the forthcoming days, and understood the injustice involved in some of that. However as I spoke to colleagues who had been on the front line and saw media coverage of a minority of protesters attacking other police officers I knew that, regardless of their motivation, their conduct was not acceptable and endangered themselves and others. A member of our Christian Police Association prayer group had narrowly escaped serious injury as protesters threw a park bench at her. As we drove through towns and villages people came out of their houses and shops to applaud us, something that was totally unexpected. Members of the public were in fear of disorder and saw us as a reassuring presence there to protect them.

I was heading into a dangerous situation and as we made our way towards the ongoing disorder I began to prepare myself spiritually for the situation I faced. In the same way as I do as I start my usual neighbourhood beat, I reflected on Ephesians 6. As well as the physical protection I have mentioned, I prayed and began to put on the armour of God with truth as a belt around my waist, righteousness as my breastplate, shoes of readiness, faith as my shield and the helmet of salvation. I dwelt on verse 12 as I prayed, as I understood the motivation of the protesters to right injustice and set free those oppressed by poor decisions made by politicians, but knew those who had resorted to violence had given in to the same dark spiritual forces that they claimed to be acting against. In the same way that Graham views police officers as the human beings that he should love, and the government as that which is to be resisted, I did not wish any harm on the protesters but knew I had a duty as a police officer and a Christian to resist the evil forces at work inflicting fear and injury upon the public and other police offi cers. I had taken on a challenge by travelling many miles from home, working with new people, facing a barrage of abuse and missiles and had seen, from the response of the public, that they both wanted and needed our help. I am not aware of many jobs that call us to serve the Lord in such a way!

I know that whilst Graham and I both probably understand where the other is coming from, I also accept that we will have to agree to disagree on much of what we say. I suppose it just goes to show the diversity of people whom His word touches.

Nicolas Mattock