ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the impact of religion on the practice of policing. Although today many persons no longer adhere to institutional religion or subscribe to any religious beliefs, most persons worldwide still identify with, or acknowledge having a background in, religion. The same is true of those persons who are police officers. There are numerous ways that religion has informed and impacted the institution and practice of policing as well as individual police officers. Historically, policing has reflected deeply held beliefs about the human condition, crime and justice, and the need for social and political arrangements to safeguard the peace. For individual police officers, their worldview, often rooted in religion, impacts their view and practice of policing. For example, religion provides spiritual solace for police officers who experience strife and stress from their work. Also, religion motivates police officers’ efforts to serve and protect their fellow citizens and the community in accordance with certain moral values and commitments.
