ROC Kent – the journey so far…
Barry Knott, an Inspector with Kent Police, has been a ROC Ambassador for a few years now and he organised an event at the Kent Showground on October 13th which was attended by around 150 people. Many people expressed an interest in ROC and the momentum started to build. Debra and a team from ROC then visited Maidstone on Jan 8th which included a ROC Conversations event attended by people from various agencies and churches around Maidstone and other parts of Kent. Discussions took place about a potential ROC Centre and several ROC Café’s. Barry, in the meantime, has met the Chief Constable and Chief Superintendent Steve Corbishley, Head of Community & Partnerships, who have agreed for formalise a partnership with ROC. A team is now being formed to take things forward in Kent. A further presentation will take place in West Malling/King’s Hill on Feb 19th which Angie Vincent one of our new ROC Ambassadors will be doing. A joint one day training course (for Sussex and Kent) will take place on June 21st, more details to follow.
Barry tells us how he got involved…
Not long after becoming a Christian at the age of 30, I recognised just how pivotal to our society the teachings of Jesus are. What makes us civilised is the consideration we have for our fellow man. The basis of our laws is founded in tolerance and forgiveness. Throughout history Christian activists have established major milestones in our development. The very first schools and hospitals are good examples. The police service, of which I am a part, was established by the Christian Home Secretary Robert Peel, who wanted to see a non-violent response to crime. ‘Policing with Consent’ is a unique concept across the world in which everyone has a duty to prevent crime and support the justice system. We have an expectation on our society that constables and citizens will work together. It is therefore easy to see why I very quickly identified the potential of ROC in all neighbourhoods across the UK.
Faith is a great motivator for volunteers and we know that faith groups make up a very large majority of the volunteer sector. There are many unsung heroes out there doing remarkable work. There are also many theories and strategies that fail to become established. Where ROC succeeds is that it is a clear and simple well supported strategy with achievable targets that delivers activity at the heart of the issue. Intelligent thinking that results in compassionate action. The winning ingredient being the motivation of those involved guided and supported by professionals. ROC brings local activity together, new and established, raising the profile and ensuring help and support is appropriately directed where it is needed.
I take every opportunity, whatever the size of audience, to share the work of ROC. Just like the time when Street Pastor’s began, there are those who are sceptical, but the results speak for themselves. Where there is a reduction in crime or a neighbourhood made to feel safer you will see the foundations of a flourishing community taking responsibility for themselves and living more complete lives.
For more information on how YOU can become a ROC Ambassador, click here.
