Adapted from Don Anderson's North Platte Chaplain's document, August 2021 · Edited for FRCNE July 2024

Purpose of Chaplains

Chaplains exist in many areas of society, including Law Enforcement, Military, Fire Service, Hospitals, and Industry. The primary purpose of a Chaplain is to support people experiencing crisis, life challenges and difficulties. The Chaplain's role is that of a Ministry of Presence — simply being present and available.

The Chaplain is not present to proselytize or persuade someone to adopt the Chaplain's personal beliefs. The Chaplain's role is to walk alongside someone as they walk their own path, offering counsel related to the counselee's concerns when requested.

Chaplains are members of a team within the agencies and departments they serve. Therefore, they must work together under the direction of the Lead Chaplain and within the policies of the agency they serve.

Eligibility

The Chaplain should be above reproach, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, and free from addiction or abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs. They should manage their households and personal affairs well, have a good reputation in the community, and successfully complete an appropriate background investigation.

Chaplains shall be either ordained or licensed members of the clergy in good standing, with an association with a house of faith in the community where they serve.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assisting the Agency

Chaplains may respond to natural or accidental deaths, suicides, family disturbances, and other incidents. They respond to all major disasters and critical incidents, assist with ceremonies and events such as academy graduations and recognitions, provide invocations and benedictions, and may assist with funerals or memorials for agency members.

Assisting the Community

Chaplains provide an additional link between the community, other agencies, and the department. They provide a liaison with civic, business, and religious organizations and may assist community members in connecting with their Faith Family.

Assisting Agency Members

Chaplains may assist in notifications to families of members who have been seriously injured or killed, visit sick or injured members and their families, and serve as a resource when dealing with deaths, suicides, serious accidents, and substance abuse situations.

Training

Chaplains are encouraged to seek training in: Stress Management, Crisis Response, Death Notifications, Post Traumatic Stress, Suicide Awareness, Burnout, Legal Liability & Confidentiality, Ethics, and Sensitivity & Diversity. Chaplains should participate in relevant department training and adhere to a Canon of Ethics.

ICPC Canon of Ethics

International Conference of Police Chaplains — For Law Enforcement Chaplains

The Law Enforcement Chaplain is foremost a member of the clergy and not an officer of the law. The Chaplain serves in an ecumenical capacity and is not to use the chaplaincy to proselytize or to win adherents to his or her faith group.

The Chaplain shall maintain the confidentiality of those who seek guidance and counsel, become familiar with applicable confidentiality laws, and conduct himself or herself in an ethical and professional manner at all times. The Chaplain shall not lend presence to any political or social movement in any manner that may suggest departmental endorsement.

Sources: Simi Valley Police Department CA — Policy 336; International Conference of Police Chaplains — Canon of Ethics (July 2010)