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Frequently Asked Questions

Mark Watts
Metropolitan Branch
"God is doing great things in the CPA. Be a part of it!"

Why should I join the CPA?: If you are a Christian, that is, if you are born again, it is a means of fellowship and identification with other believers in the Police Service and supports your witness to colleagues.
Are there conditions to membership?: Yes. You must agree with our Basis of Faith and pledge yourself to the Aims of the Association. Membership is open to both police officers and police staff.
Do I have to attend meetings regularly?: No, but if you are seeking to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in the Police Service you will want to share in the support and encouragement that is available at such meetings.
What if there is no CPA Branch in my Police Area?: Contact will be maintained through CPA HQ and you will be put in touch with other CPA members in your area and the nearest Branch to where you live.
How much will it cost me?: There is no joining fee or annual subscription but we do encourage gift-aided giving. In fact, you can give as little or as much as you like. There is, however, an annual subscription for the magazine.
When should I join the CPA?: There is no time like the present! Obtain an application form your Branch Leader or CPA HQ. Remember to enclose a brief written account of how you came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.
It’s only for certain types of Christians and I'm not that type.: The CPA is non-denominational and has members in a wide variety of churches, worshipping in a wide variety of ways. CPA supports unity in diversity where our unity is the acceptance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
I like to keep my job and my faith separate.: If our faith is real it will affect every aspect of our lives. As we spend a good part of our lives at work, our faith should be evident there as well as when we are with our families and friends.
I don’t get anything out of joining and they’re only after my money.: Being aware of others in "the job" who are fellow believers affords the potential for fellowship wherever you are posted. Positively identifying with fellow believers shows our unity in the Body of Christ. The CPA asks for no membership fee, relying on God to supply our needs. In practice this is worked out by the freewill giving of those who commit themselves to the work. This enables the staff to be available to all members and develop specific resources to assist and encourage witness in the Police Service.
Some CPA members I know don’t act like Christians should.: This can be true of any believer but if we don’t apply that rule to joining a church, why should we do so for CPA? The Bible gives us clear guidelines on how fellow believers should deal with those whose behaviour is dishonouring to Christ and also thankfully, a way to find forgiveness and restoration.
It’s a group whose members are only interested in self-advancement.: The aim and basis of faith of the CPA is freely available and there are no secret rituals or initiation rites. With members represented in all rank structures, personal and professional integrity is our keystone. There is no intention or expectation that membership of CPA will bring any undue influence or undeserved promotion.
I don’t want to put pressure on anyone in the Police Service.: The CPA has been in existence for over 100 years and throughout that time has sought, not to pressure, but to serve. This follows the example of Christ and also CPA's founder, Catherine Gurney OBE, whose service included the founding of the Police Convalescent Homes.
I’m embarrassed to talk about my faith.: It doesn’t come easy to many people and the fear of not being able to answer questions is often the root of the problem. The knowledge that there are other Christians in "the job" to whom you can turn for answers and advice can take away some of that fear. CPA members and staff are a resource to help in such situations.
I’m not called to evangelise the Police Service.: Thankfully, not all Christians have the same gifts and evangelism is one specific gift mentioned in the New Testament. However, all disciples of Jesus Christ are called to be witnesses and the CPA encourages its members to be just that. Witness can take a variety of forms but our manner of life and speech are primary areas for all Christians.
I get all that I need from my church.: As part of the Christian family we have many brothers and sisters and we should have equal concern for each other. The CPA is able to link Christians in the Police Service and by doing so present a united witness to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through communication via various media we can offer support and specific, effectual prayer for one another. Our faith demands that we show an interest in the spiritual welfare of those with whom we work.
Do I have to be a Christian to come to the meetings?: No. You are welcome to come and explore, just as any church should welcome you. What’s more, if you do feel drawn to find out more about Jesus then it is all the more important you seize this opportunity.

If you have a question that isn’t answered on this website then please send us an email via our Contact Us page. You’ll get a quick response and there won’t be any follow up unless you ask for it.

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