We continue here with the conclusion of our interview with Chaplain Rickey Hargrave:
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101: What have been the things that have brought you the most joy in these activities? What about those that have brought you sadness and regret?
Hargrave: Joy comes from seeing an officer's first child born; seeing the total glow of the young officer's face at the wedding altar; knowing that in a little corner of darkness, a candle shimmers the light of hope.
It is always sad to see teenagers mutilated in a traffic accident; to see the damage a "little drink" can cause in a family; to hear the cries of the children when we have to take a parent to jail; to experience the heart breaking when we have to tell a mom her daughter will not come home.
Regrets? That I didn't start earlier in the chaplaincy.
101: If God gave you the power tomorrow to be able to wave a wand and magically transform these officers' lives and solve all of their problems, what problems would you solve and why--and what would your plan be in going about it?
Hargrave: I would, with the Apostle Paul, "desire that all men everywhere be saved." Obviously, your question wasn't in that vein--so I would make it where the officers could turn off the "Cop" and turn on the "Dad" when they get home (or "Mom" or "Wife"). I would equip them with the ability to have absolute discernment, extreme caution in every situation, and quick reactions when evil did manifest itself. I would bestow on each officer a Clear Direction for life; a Confident Determination in their work; and a Comforting Dependence on the Lord Jesus for eternity. I would want for them exactly what I would want for myself.
101: What would you perceive would be a police officer's attitude towards the current state of the criminal justice system here in Texas? What do you think would be their thoughts in regards to it?
Hargrave: Officers understand they have to work within the guidelines of the law. But laws change so quickly and are being interpreted with every appellate decision [that] it is impossible for the cop on the street to be able to respond to a situation and predict what the courts will do.
It seems apparent that most officers would like to see capital punishment more effective. Most of these guys and gals with guns wear those guns for a reason. They believe strongly that they are a deterrent to crime. They would like to see more support from the general public and the courts in convicting those who are guilty.
