Policy Text
Policy
338Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentChaplains - 1Chaplains
338.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes the guidelines for Garden Grove Police Department chaplains to provide
counseling or emotional support to members of the Department, their families and members of
the public.
338.2 POLICY
The Garden Grove Police Department shall ensure that department chaplains are properly
appointed, trained and supervised to carry out their responsibilities without financial
compensation.
338.3 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.
(g)Be a credentialed or commissioned (licensed or ordained) minister, priest, rabbi, imam,
or other recognized leader of a religious body.
(h)Be active in the pastorate or any related agency within his or her own faith community.
(i)Must have two letters of recommendation from the elders (or equivalent) of his or her
church and one from the head pastor or an associate. These letters should attest to
the applicant's character and experience and show church support.
(j)Must exhibit and maintain high spiritual and moral Standards.
(k)Must not have been convicted of a felony or a Misdemeanor (within 5 years).
(l)Must indicate a willingness to be involved in training that might enhance an Interfaith
Volunteer and chaplain's efficiency in meeting and dealing with the needs of the police
personnel, their families, and the public.
(m)Must be willing to accept the liability conditions of a Garden Grove Police Department
ride-along.
(n)Must be willing to serve a minimum one 5-hour shift each month, preferably in the
evening
The Chief of Police may apply exceptions for eligibility based on organizational needs and the
qualifications of the individual.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Chaplains
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentChaplains - 2338.4 RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT
The Garden Grove 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.
338.4.1 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.
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.
338.5 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 Garden Grove Police Department identification cards, which must be
carried at all times while on-duty. The identification cards will be the standard Garden Grove
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.
Police Chaplains are issued a black polo shirt with the words "Garden Grove Police Chaplain" and
their name printed on the front of the shirt with no printing on the back. They are also issued a
black jacket with police patches on the upper sleeves and the word "Chaplain" in white lettering.
They will wear black pants with their issued shirt and jacket, and this will be worn during ride-
alongs and emergency call-outs (weather permitting).
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Chaplains
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentChaplains - 3Police Chaplains are also issued a Class "A" uniform consisting of a navy blazer, a white long
sleeve shirt, black neck tie, navy blue slacks, and a soft cap with Chaplain cap pin. Worn on the
uniform will be a nametag, Garden Grove Police Chaplain badge, and chaplain pin