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 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. • Assisting in the provision of planned, scheduled training to police personnel. Training may include orientation as a new employee, Academy training, roll call training, spouse orientation, etc. • Providing practical assistance to victims. • Assisting at suicide incidents. • Assisting with specialized teams (Crisis Response, Hostage Negotiation, SWAT, etc.) only after the appropriate specialized training.

Police Chaplain qualifications: 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 driver's license. • Chaplains will be furnished identification that will be displayed while performing duties as a police chaplain.

What is the Selection Process? 1) Applicants must complete and submit the application form approved by the department. 2) The application form must be accompanied by a copy of the following: a. Certificate of license and/or ordination, or diploma, and b. Copy of a valid Driver’s license. 3) The completed application form and support documents will be submitted to the Chief of Police. The department will conduct an interview with the applicant. 4) If the Chief of Police and/or Captain finds the applicant to be an acceptable candidate, he/she will endorse the application and will ensure that a background investigation is completed. 5) Final appointment as a Smithville Police Chaplain requires the approval of the Police Chief.