Chaplain
A law enforcement chaplain is a clergy person with a passionate interest in, and the specialized training for pastoral care in the dangerous world of law enforcement. This pastoral care is offered to all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed, or religion. It is offered without cost or proselytizing.
The law enforcement chaplain is led in his or her own faith to be available and ready to serve those in need. The chaplain's ministry provides a source of strength to the law enforcement officers and their families, other department members, the community, and the incarcerated.
Chaplains listen and participate in the workplace of law enforcement officers with empathy and experience, advising calmly in the midst of turmoil and danger, and offering assistance when appropriate or requested.
What Does a Police Chaplain Do?
The duties of the Police Chaplain may include, but are not limited to,
- Riding along with officers on routine patrol on various shifts.
- Accompanying a police officer to assist with notification of any suicide, death or serious injury.
- Working with police officers to assist in any kind of crisis situation where the presence of a trained chaplain might help.
- Counseling Department members in response to stress or family crisis problems. Any such assistance will be privileged and confidential between the officer and chaplain involved.
- Visiting with sick or injured members of the Department at their home or in the hospital.
- Helping organize Department response to ceremonies for North Carolina officers killed in the line of duty.
- Offering prayers at special occasions such as recruit graduations, award ceremonies and dedications of buildings, etc.
- Advising the Chief of Police in all matters of a religious nature involving the Police Department and performance of law enforcement duties in the community. Further, Chaplains shall act as liaison with local ministerial associations and on matters pertaining to the moral, spiritual, and religious welfare of police personnel.
- Assisting the Police Department in the performance of appropriate ceremonial functions.
- Providing practical assistance to victims.
- Assisting at suicide incidents.
Who Qualifies As a Police Chaplain?
- Chaplain applicants are subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.
- The Chief of Police will appoint chaplains.
- Chaplains must be ordained or licensed ministers in good standing in a recognized religious denomination or group.
- Chaplains must be skilled in ministry and pastoral care.
- Chaplains must maintain high spiritual and moral standards.
- Chaplains must demonstrate a commitment to ministry with police officers.
- Chaplains must become familiar with and accept the policies and procedures of the Chaplain's Program.
- Chaplains must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
- Chaplains will be furnished identification that will be displayed while performing duties as a police chaplain.