Policy Text
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GGEENNEERRAALL OORRDDEERR 55..22
TITLE: Chaplain Program
INDEXING: Employee Counseling Services, Death Notifications, Injury, Support
ISSUED: 09/01/95 REVISED: 11/24/2025 RESCINDS: 02/20/2024
C.A.L.E.A. STANDARDS: 22 PAGES: 5
CONTENTS
This general order contains the following numbered sections:
I. Definitions
II. Procedure
III. Selection Criteria
IV. Duties and Responsibilities
V. Contact with Media
PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines for the operation and management of the Police
Chaplain Program of the Fort Myers Police Department.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Department to maintain a volunteer Police Chaplain Program to provide
spiritual guidance, counseling, support, religious training, and information upon request to Department
employees, their families, and the community in times of crisis. (C.A.L.E.A. 22.2.3 & 22.2.4)
SCOPE
These procedures shall apply to all Fort Myers Police Department personnel.
SECTION I: DEFINITIONS
Chaplain: A volunteer member of the clergy who is available to provide voluntary spiritual help, guidance,
and counseling to all members of the agency. They direct all programs or events associated with the
Chaplain Program.
Chaplain Liaison: The Community Engagement Bureau Commander administers the Police Chaplain
Program for the Department.
SECTION II: PROCEDURE
The Chaplain Program shall be organized and managed in the following manner:
A. The Chaplain Program shall be administered by the Community Engagement Bureau
Commander, who will coordinate activities of the program, including, but not limited to,
assignments, meetings, training, and evaluations.
B. When an on-duty officer is hospitalized or involved in a significant traumatic event, it shall be the
responsibility of the shift supervisor to notify the on-call Chaplain.
G.O. 5.2 Chaplain Program 1 o f 5 11/24/2025\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nC. If a Chaplain is made aware of a serious injury or illness involving substantial risk or death to a
spouse, parent, sibling, or child of any Department employee, the Chaplain will ensure that a
note or card of encouragement is sent to the employee.
SECTION III: SELECTION CRITERIA
Because of the enormous responsibility, sensitivity, and confidential nature of the work, the selection
process for membership and assignment to the Chaplain Program is strict in concept and policy and will
be maintained to the highest professional standards.
A. The integrity of the Chaplain Program, its chaplains, and the members of the Department, must
be protected at all times.
B. Membership in the Chaplain Program will be limited to clergy who hold proper credentials in
pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, counseling, social work, or other fields related to
chaplaincy and experience in the religious beliefs of their choice. It is preferred, but not
required, that the applicants’ church be within the boundaries of the City of Fort Myers.
C. The following criteria shall be considered in the selection process for members of the Chaplain
Program:
1. Ordained or licensed clergy in good standing with his/her own pastoral
ministry.
2. A member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) or meets
the requirements of and is accepted for membership by ICPC. The Department
will pay annual membership dues to the ICPC for all members of the Chaplain
Program.
3. Able to understand, accept, and relate to persons holding religious commitments
different than their own.
4. Supportive of the need for law enforcement in the community.
5. Experienced and skilled in counseling and knowledgeable about community
resources for referrals.
6. Of high moral standing.
7. Served a congregation for at least five years. The five-year requirement may be
waived under special circumstances after review and approval by the Chief of
Police.
8. Has formal theological training or education in his/her pastoral ministry.
9. Provides a minimum of three letters of recommendation from any of the following
sources:
a. A fellow clergyman.
b. A leader in the applicant’s organization or denomination.
c. The clergyman’s ecclesiastical superior.
d. A police chaplain or a police officer.
10. Lives in Lee County.
G.O. 5.2 Chaplain Program 2 o f 5 11/24/2025\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\n11. Consents to a background check by the Department (to include a polygraph
exam), completes an application, and submits a resume providing sufficient
personal data to properly complete a background investigation.
D. Approval for membership will be based on the successful completion of a background
investigation, a review of the submitted resume, and an interview process.
E. The members of the Chaplain Program must approve the applicant.
F. The Chief of Police shall retain final authority in all matters concerning the Chaplain Program
and its members.
G. Chaplain appointments are on an annual basis. The Community Engagement Bureau
Commander will present the appointment in front of their congregation if desired.
SECTION IV: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The members of the Chaplain Program shall normally meet once every quarter or upon the call
of the Chief of Police.
B. Police Chaplains accept the responsibility to foster integrity and honor within the Department.
C. Chaplains shall avoid cultivating or creating a situation whereby any person would anticipate
preferential treatment by them or in which a reasonable and prudent person would presume
such treatment has occurred.
D. Police chaplains shall always execute their duties with a professional demeanor.
E. Police chaplains shall strive for effective moral leadership and high employee morale through
continuous self-improvement and dedicated service to police personnel.
F. Police chaplains shall appreciate the Department’s importance and responsibility and hold their
office as vital in rendering valuable service to the Department and the community.
G. Police Chaplains attire will be dress slacks, a Fort Myers Police Department polo shirt and dress
shoes, or a suit or clerical/religious attire with appropriate identification. Chaplains may wear
their Class A dress uniforms for large special events upon approval from the Chief of Police.
Chaplains shall wear their Fort Myers Police Department identification card when involved in
Department activities.
H. Chaplains shall comply with instructions and orders of Police Department commanding officers.
I. Chaplains will be responsible for reading and complying with all departmental policies assigned
to their respective position, as outlined in General Order 7.6, Written Directive System.
J. Members of the Chaplain Program will be called on to perform the following duties:
1. Chaplains shall be available to offer counsel to all employees who may have
personal problems. Chaplains should consider recommending the services of
the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when appropriate. All information
communicated to Police Chaplains while acting in the role of personal counselor
shall be recognized as privileged communication. Exceptions to this include:
a. Serious violations of department policy and procedure.
b. A violation of statutory law.
G.O. 5.2 Chaplain Program 3 o f 5 11/24/2025\n\n--- Page 4 ---\n\nc. If it is clear that a member is a danger to themselves or others.
2. Police Chaplains shall, upon request, visit Department personnel who may be
hospitalized or sick at home.
3. The Chaplains shall provide liaison with other religious leaders in the community.
4. Chaplains should be available to serve in ceremonial functions consistent with
their position, including, but not limited to, police funeral and memorial services,
Police Academy graduations, promotional ceremonies, and civic meetings and
ceremonies.
5. Chaplains may be requested to assist Department members who respond to
critical incidents. All requests must be initiated by a supervisor. Incidents may
include homicides, suicides or attempted suicides, natur