Matt Baggott Northern Ireland’s chief constable says that God had called him to the region’s top policing job.
I confess that sometimes I’m not a huge fan of the police for differing reasons, but I really do like Matt Baggott.
He is the president of the Christian Police Association and last last August was unveiled as Northern Ireland’s new chief constable, which let’s face it, is not the easiest job in the world.
This guy is so refreshingly open and honest about his faith, which is a real breath of fresh air for someone in such a high profile public position.
Anyway, just noticed this from the Press Association a couple of minutes ago:-
Northern Ireland’s chief constable claims that God had called him to the region’s top policing job.
Matt Baggott, who is a born-again Christian, said he felt his entire 33-year career in the police had been mapped out for him by a higher power.
In a candid interview about his deeply held beliefs, the 51-year-old father of three explained how much his faith had influenced he and his wife’s joint decision that he should apply to take over from the outgoing Sir Hugh Orde last year.
And this from the BBC
Talking about his decision to take the PSNI job, the chief constable said he felt he had been “very strongly pulled” to Northern Ireland.
“I have a very strong Christian faith where I have never planned anything in my 33 years of policing.
“When I’m more open to what I believe is meant to happen, the circumstances have always worked around me.
“When I’ve tried to push the pace myself then sometimes the door is shut.”
He denied he saw the job as a stepping stone to a more prestigious job.
“I don’t see this as a career move. I believe that as chief constable I’m meant to be here at this moment – how that works out is a question for others to shape and work with me on.
“But yes my faith has been a determining factor in me coming here as chief constable.”
He added: “My ambition is to do the best job I can here as chief constable of the people of Northern Ireland.”
Mr Baggott said that despite the difficulties of policing in Northern Ireland, he was enjoying the job.
“It’s a massive privilege to be here. We’ve settled really well here, we’ve made lots of friends already.
“I wouldn’t describe it as a quagmire… I would describe it as a place that I’ve found to be hungry for change.”
Top man!
Tags: Law Moral Ethical, News