Chelmsford police are to receive spiritual support under scheme launched by churches.

One church already prays regularly for uniformed as well as civilian staff based at the town's police station. Now other congregations are being encouraged by the Christian Police Association to link with the Adopt a Cop scheme.

The community initiative was pioneered in Brixton, South London, by 40 churches wanting God to bless their local bobbies, and Chelms-ford's New Street divisional headquarters is the first to be adopted by Christians in Essex.

Superintendent Brian Storey, head of Chelmsford police, said: "I am anxious to ensure that Essex police reinforce the message at every opportunity of our commitment to providing Chelmsford with a high quality service and to making this a safe place to live, work in and visit.

"I believe the Adopt a Cop scheme can help both in delivering this message and in ensuring the provision of the service to the community. To that end, I am happy to support the scheme in any way I can.

"The Crime and Disorder Act requires us to work closely with other agencies and groups, and the work of the scheme is an excellent example of this partnership approach."

Last October, members of the Christian Growth Centre (CGC), which meets at St John Payne School, Chelmsford, launched a pilot scheme, backed by the non-denominational Christian Police Association (CPA).

CGC member Sgt Rob Alleway, 43, of the British Transport Police, said: "We want churches across the Chelmsford area to commit themselves to regularly praying for the police station either on a general basis or, if specifically requested, for an individual who may be suffering in some way.

"There are tremendous pressures on officers and their families ,so Adopt a Cop provides a focal point to direct prayers. We are not involved in counselling, but we pray that officers will have wisdom as they seek to uphold law and order under increasingly difficult circumstances, and be kept safe."

Essex CPA branch chairman Pc David Gilbey, 36, based at Moulsham Lodge police station, said: "We want to encourage similar schemes in other Essex towns until every station in the county is prayed for by its local churches."

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