334Chaplains

Policy 334San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentChaplains - 1Chaplains 334.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy establishes the guidelines for San Luis Obispo Police Department chaplains to provide counseling or emotional support to members of the Department, their families and members of the public. 334.2 POLICY The San Luis Obispo Police Department shall ensure that department chaplains are properly appointed, trained and supervised to carry out their responsibilities without financial compensation. 334.3 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. 334.4 RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT The San Luis Obispo Police Department shall endeavor to recruit and appoint only interested candidates who meet the high ethical, moral and professional standards set forth by this department. The department will have a maximum of two chaplains at anytime unless extended by the COP. All applicants shall be required to meet and pass the same pre-employment procedures as department personnel before appointment. 334.4.1 SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT Chaplain candidates shall successfully complete the following process prior to appointment as a chaplain: (a)Submit an appropriate written letter of interest. (b)Include a recommendation from employers or volunteer programs. (c)Interview with the Chief of Police and the chaplain coordinator. San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Chaplains Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentChaplains - 2(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. 334.5 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. 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 San Luis Obispo Police Department identification cards, which must be carried at all times while on-duty. The identification cards will be the standard San Luis Obispo 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. 334.6 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 Administration Division Chief 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. San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Chaplains Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentChaplains - 3(g)Completing and disseminating, as appropriate, all necessary paperwork and information. (h)Planning periodic recognition events. (i)Maintaining liaison with other agency chaplain coordinators. 334.7 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Chaplains assist the Department, its members and the community, as needed. Assignments of chaplains will usually be to augment the Operations Bureau . Chaplains may be