Why are we reaching out to South African police?

I spent a few weeks in South Africa in Febuary of 2003 on a trip to build an AIDS clinic in Cape Town. While I was there I met some officers from the South African Police Service. I learned we share many common job responsibilities but the challenges these men and women face in their professional and personal lives are much greater than for American police. We are well equipped for officer safety and generally supported by the communities we serve. By contrast, these officers often lack the equipment and training to ensure their safety and have no community support...they wage a battle against hatred because of the role that police played during the period of Apartheid.

One of the officers I met was Inspector Leslie Chilliers. He shared the same story I heard over and over again. "I love the job but it's hard because we do not have the equipment and public support we would like." Four months after I left South Africa I received an email stating that Inspector Chilliers had been shot and killed in the line of duty. I was saddened at the loss of this young man with a bright future and wanted to do something to help.

Out of this experience I realized I had to reach out to my brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement -- I formed Adopt-A-Cop and have dedicated my life to meeting the needs of the "whole person" in uniform, everywhere.

How are we reaching out to South African police?

In November of 2004 my wife Jackie and I took a volunteer team to Cape Town South Africa to provide training and to implement community support programs for police families. The team of twelve consisted of police officers, educators and family members. We were hosted by Cape Theological Seminary who provided the use of their facilities for on campus training, appreciation events and housing for the team.

Each training block was a two day session. Day one was hosted by Adopt-A-Cop and included High Risk Traffic Stops, Building Searches and Learning Styles presented by Cynthia Tobias. Day two was hosted by Pointman Leadership Institute who taught leadership skills and ethics and gave a Gospel presentation.

This was a great time to exchange ideas and learn from one another. Life-long relationships were formed. One officer said "It was apparent that they cared for us. It almost made me uncomfortable as police officers are not generally cared for."

The ladies on the Adopt-A-Cop team hosted "Sisters" a night of celebration for women in police families. Women from all over the Cape gathered and enjoyed food, fellowship, motivational speakers. Friends and family from the States contributed items for door-prizes and everyone left with a gift.

Murder, divorce and suicide rates are extreme in South Africa. Many of the officers we met expressed a need for counseling but current resources are limited to police administrators who do not honor confidentialty.

There is a future for Adopt-A-Cop in South Africa. The needs is so great. Our dream is to appoint a Director to sustain Adopt-A-Cop in South Africa, to implement the Silent Partner prayer programs in churches of all denominations and to provide counseling services for every member of the family.

Please give your support in prayer and finances so that we may see the program established in South Africa.