It’s probably the most rewarding career you can pursue.”

Second-year uniformed patrol officer Foster Brown ’22 benefits from speaking about a relatively fresh job, not one that has worn him down over a long career. But given the sentiment of Redeemer alumni Sarah Postuma ’05 and Dave Kerkhof ’96—whose law enforcement careers span 18 and 29 years respectively—Brown’s assertion may well stand the test of time.

These individuals’ stories show collective but unique journeys of God directing them toward policing, and how Redeemer University and their faith have informed and enhanced their callings.

For Kerkhof and Brown, their Redeemer studies refined their vision for pursuing their careers.

Interested in policing as a teenager, Kerkhof found social sciences an appropriate substitute for a lack of criminology program at the time. “I geared papers toward policing and kind of made my own criminology course.” With the school’s co-op program just developing, Kerkhof interned as an auxiliary police volunteer officer with Halton Regional Police Service. In addition to the position’s tasks, he wrote a paper on how he melded his faith into the experience.

Intrigued by criminal justice courses—a part of Brown’s degree 20 years later—an internship with Liberty for Youth provided a similar vocational push.

Working with at-risk youth in a real-world, here-and-now experience, and showing up to crises and dealing with them helped him lean into the fruits of the Spirit and develop a necessary understanding of grace for those he encountered.

“Policing was reinforced as a perfect avenue.”

But for Postuma, policing was not seen as a likely career path while attending Redeemer. Graduating with a kinesiology degree, she began working at a downtown Hamilton rehabilitation clinic. Exposed to different languages and cultures, she improved her cultural awareness and communication skills, valuable assets for her first policing interview a few years later. Feeling a push from God toward law enforcement, spurred on by constantly seeing strong and confident female officers, Postuma reflects that he was leading her step by step.

“God’s hand is in the resume and skills I developed in jobs and at Redeemer. Attending was an important steppingstone in God directing my path.”

But more than any head knowledge, theories or applications, the presence of faith has been a foundational component for the officers’ approaches over their careers.

“You see sin’s consequences in the world,” Brown explains, noting how police are usually called when someone is at their worst. “Understanding sin helps you meet people where they are and try to find a good outcome. [This] can only be achieved by having unconditional love.”

Echoing this, a fundamental perspective for Kerkhof was recognizing that everyone is created by God and falls short. “I’m mindful of how I treat people. Yes, I have a God-ordained role but I’m no better than anyone else; the people I deal with are no different than I am.”

For Postuma, now working as an investigator in Hamilton Police Service’s victims of crime unit, faith has strengthened her understanding that God’s will is behind everything.

“Though there’s bad in this world, there’s also good. I pray that God uses me, and other officers, to have a small part in his plan to redeem this world.”

“I pray I can do my part in building the strongest case possible to bring justice and hold people accountable when they victimize others. But I find peace knowing God is in control.” Accepting this, the best thing she can do is “remain kind to all involved.” Such awareness has informed Postuma’s view of success. “I occasionally fall for the world’s version—promotions, money, popularity. But it’s actually about being in line with God’s will and the purpose he created me for.”

Beginning his career in 1997, Kerkhof shares Postuma’s sentiment. Just recently promoted to sergeant, he understands that God used this delay to humble him and ensure he remained committed to serving for his glory and Kingdom. “It’s not about me receiving awards, promotions or status, but if I do, I’m to use them for him.”

Kerkhof cites leadership as an opportunity to mentor younger officers and remind them of the goal of helping others. Brown, though just establishing his career, seems to understand this mindset.

“The core of policing is to live as Christ. I want to do everything I can to honour him and die for his gain. Through that lens, I understand the risk but also the reward and I can have confidence.”

These alumni demonstrate that Christians bring a vital and necessary perspective to policing and law enforcement. For them, this demanding work is not just a career path, but a calling where their beliefs keep them engaged in the essential mission of serving the public.

“You bring a different and important perspective,” explains Postuma. “Though there’s bad in this world, there’s also good. I pray that God uses me, and other officers, to have a small part in his plan to redeem this world.”