I’ve got my reservations about the police - but as a Christian I am rooting for a redemption story

As Police Scotland’s new chief constable agrees that the force is guilty of institutional discrimination, Lauren Windle shares her thoughts on the police force from a Christian perspective.

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been challenged by loved ones for my level of resentment towards the police. I have friends who have been arrested and treated as sub-human, humiliated and mocked before being disgarded without charge - to be fair this was not in the UK but in a neighbouring equally affluent country. I (a white woman) have family members who are Black men, and to them, being stopped and searched or pulled over in their car is par for the course. They don’t break laws, they’re good Christian men with families and gentle hearts but they have to comply each time.

I’ve also got close friends who are police officers. I love them. They are kind and funny and caring and also Christian. I know that they are poorly treated at work. I know that they have a heart for people and communities and justice. They take huge risks to keep us safe. They’re harassed, spat at, and are frequently mocked with questions like “were you bullied at school?” while doing their jobs. And that’s all on a good day.