Policy Text
Policy
354Fremont Police Department
Chaplains
354.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes the guidelines for Fremont Police Department chaplains to provide
counseling or emotional support to members of the Department, their families and members of
the public.
354.2 POLICY
The Fremont Police Department shall ensure that department chaplains are properly appointed,
trained and supervised to carry out their responsibilities without financial compensation.
354.3 ELIGIBILITY
Requirements for participation as a chaplain for the Department may include, but are not limited to:
(a)Being above reproach, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, be
free from addiction to alcohol or other drugs, and excessive debt.
(b)Managing their households, families and personal affairs well.
(c)Having a good reputation in the community.
(d)Successful completion of an appropriate-level background investigation.
(e)A minimum of five years of successful counseling experience.
(f)Possession of a valid driver license.
The Chief of Police may apply exceptions for eligibility based on organizational needs and the
qualifications of the individual.
354.4 RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT
The Fremont Police Department shall endeavor to recruit and appoint only those applicants who
meet the high ethical, moral and professional standards set forth by this department.
All applicants shall be required to meet and pass the same pre-employment procedures as
department personnel before appointment.
354.4.1 SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT
Chaplain candidates shall successfully complete the following process prior to appointment as a
chaplain:
(a)Submit the appropriate written application.
(b)Include a recommendation from employers or volunteer programs.
(c)Interview with the Chief of Police and the chaplain coordinator.
(d)Successfully complete an appropriate-level background investigation.
(e)Complete an appropriate probationary period as designated by the Chief of Police.
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Chaplains are volunteers and serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police. Chaplains shall have
no property interest in continued appointment. However, if a chaplain is removed for alleged
misconduct, the chaplain will be afforded an opportunity solely to clear his/her name through a
liberty interest hearing, which shall be limited to a single appearance before the Chief of Police
or the authorized designee.
354.5 IDENTIFICATION AND UNIFORMS
As representatives of the Department, chaplains are responsible for presenting a professional
image to the community. Chaplains shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance
of their duties. Uniforms and necessary safety equipment will be provided for each chaplain.
Identification symbols worn by chaplains shall be different and distinct from those worn by officers
through the inclusion of "Chaplain" on the uniform and not reflect any religious affiliation.
Chaplains will be issued Fremont Police Department identification cards, which must be carried at
all times while on-duty. The identification cards will be the standard Fremont Police Department
identification cards, with the exception that “Chaplain” will be indicated on the cards. Chaplains
shall be required to return any issued uniforms or department property at the termination of service.
Chaplains shall conform to all uniform regulations and appearance standards of this department.
354.6 CHAPLAIN COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police shall delegate certain responsibilities to a chaplain coordinator. The
coordinator shall be appointed by and directly responsible to the Administrative Services Division
Commander or the authorized designee.
The chaplain coordinator shall serve as the liaison between the chaplains and the Chief of
Police. The function of the coordinator is to provide a central coordinating point for effective
chaplain management within the Department, and to direct and assist efforts to jointly provide more
productive chaplain services. Under the general direction of the Chief of Police or the authorized
designee, chaplains shall report to the chaplain coordinator and/or Watch Commander.
The chaplain coordinator may appoint a senior chaplain or other designee to assist in the
coordination of chaplains and their activities.
The responsibilities of the coordinator or the authorized designee include, but are not limited to:
(a)Recruiting, selecting and training qualified chaplains.
(b)Conducting chaplain meetings.
(c)Establishing and maintaining a chaplain callout roster.
(d)Maintaining records for each chaplain.
(e)Tracking and evaluating the contribution of chaplains.
(f)Maintaining a record of chaplain schedules and work hours.
(g)Completing and disseminating, as appropriate, all necessary paperwork and
information.
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(h)Planning periodic recognition events.
(i)Maintaining liaison with other agency chaplain coordinators.
An evaluation of the overall use of chaplains will be conducted on an annual basis by the
coordinator.
354.7 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Chaplains assist the Department, its members and the community, as needed. Assignments of
chaplains will usually be to augment the Patrol Division . Chaplains may be assigned to other areas
within the Department as needed. Chaplains should be placed only in assignments or programs
that are consistent with their knowledge, skills, abilities and the needs of the Department.
All chaplains will be assigned to duties by the chaplain coordinator or the authorized designee.
Chaplains may not proselytize or attempt to