Policy Text
POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/15/93 STANDARD NO. 024 REVISED: 05/11/16
REPLACES: SOP Chaplain Corps 03-03.1 – Rev. 01/01/03; Rev.08/18/11
OBJECTIVE: To establish criteria for the Police Chaplain Program.
POLICY: Police work can place many burdens on police personnel and their families which
may require religious counsel and guidance. Clergy who are familiar with the
situations and circumstances unique to police work may be better qualified to
meet their needs. It is the policy of the Homestead Police Department (HPD) to
provide police department employees and their families’ with spiritual guidance or
pastoral counseling when necessary or requested.
SCOPE: All employees of this Department shall be governed by the procedures set forth
below.
I. FUNCTIONS OF POLICE CHAPLAINS:
A. The Police Chaplain Program will provide for spiritual guidance and pastoral counseling
to departmental employees and their families. The police chaplain is a non-sworn,
unarmed civilian volunteer. The police chaplain will also participate in training, and in
religious and other departmental ceremonies as directed. Police chaplains may be
requested to accompany officers in operational situations involving public contact where
a chaplain’s training and background may be of assistance (i.e. community unrest).
II. POLICE CHAPLAIN COORDINATOR:
A. The Police Chaplain Coordinator is responsible for:
1. Coordinating chaplain services for the Department.
2. Ensures proper administration and documentation of the Program.
3. Maintains pertinent statistical records relative to each police chaplain and the
Program.
4. Coordinates police chaplain training with the Training Bureau.
5. Assists in recruiting and screening police chaplain applicants.
6. Ensures response of a departmental chaplain.
III. SELECTION:
A. General:
Police Chaplain Program – SOP# 024
1. Clergy interested in becoming a police chaplain may contact the Departmental
Police Chaplain Coordinator. Candidates who meet the eligibility standards
established by the Department may begin the selection process.
B. Eligibility:
1. Be a full-time clergymen and ordained by a recognized religious body, in good
standing with that body, and receive its endorsement.
2. Have a minimum of five years experience in the ministry.
3. Be willing to make a three-year commitment to the Department.
4. Be a legal resident of the United States.
5. Not have been convicted of a felony or offense involving moral turpitude.
C. Selection Process:
1. The process is accomplished by the Police Administrative Bureau, in
coordination with the Internal Affairs Division.
2. The selection process requires successful completion of the following:
a. Background check by the Internal Affairs Division.
b. Physical examination.
c. An interview by a panel consisting of:
(1) The Departmental Police Chaplain Coordinator or designee.
(2) A rank and file representative designated by the Departmental
Police Chaplain Coordinator.
(3) A police chaplain designated by the Departmental Police Chaplain
Coordinator.
IV. TRAINING:
A. All police chaplain must meet training standards established by the Department.
B. The police chaplain will complete a basic training course and/or orientation prior to
assuming duties with the Department. The police chaplain training may consist of the
following:
1. Scope of Instruction: Comprised of cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification,
an overview of the Department manual and other areas of concern.
2. Training schedule: Scheduling of the instruction will be flexible so as to meet the
needs of the Department and the police chaplain.
Police Chaplain Program – SOP# 024