Police Chaplain

What is a Police Chaplain?

No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental and physical burdens than a Law Enforcement Officer. Many times these stressors are taken home by an officer and can also affect the officer's family or effect the officer's career. The Police Chaplain, through training and ride-alongs, is someone who can understand the officer's work environment but is detached enough not to be emotionally involved. An officer's personal clergy or religious advisor trained in the ministry is not necessarily knowledgeable in the particular difficulties of a Law Enforcement Career. A Police Chaplain is better equipped with the knowledge to listen with empathy and calmly advise officers in an appropriate manner.

What are the duties of a Police Chaplain?

Counsel Police Officers and other members of the Department.
Counsel the families of Police Officers and other members of the Department.
Visit sick or injured officers and departmental members in home or hospital.
Make death notifications.
Provide assistance to victims.
Teach officers in areas such as Stress Management, Ethics and Family Life.
Do patrol ride-alongs with officers.
Serve as liaison with other clergy in the community.
Furnish expert answers for religious questions.
Serve on review boards, award boards, and other committees.
Offer prayers at special events.