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Policy 336Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/01/19, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentChaplains - 1Chaplains 336.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy establishes the guidelines for Santa Monica Police Department chaplains to provide counseling or emotional support to members of the Department, their families and members of the public when requested. 336.2 POLICY The Santa Monica Police Department shall ensure the Chaplain Program is non-denominational and consists of volunteer clergy who are properly appointed, trained and supervised to carry out their responsibilities without financial compensation. 336.3 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)At least three years of successful ministry experience within a recognized church or religious denomination. (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. 336.4 RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT The Santa Monica 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. 336.4.1 SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT Chaplain candidates shall successfully complete the following process prior to appointment as a chaplain: (a)Submit the appropriate written application. (b)Provide letters of recommendation from their respective board, council, or affiliation. (c)Interview with the Chief of Police and the Community Affairs Supervisor. (d)Successfully complete an appropriate-level background investigation. Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Chaplains Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/01/19, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentChaplains - 2(e)Complete an appropriate probationary period as designated by the Chief of Police. (f)Successfully complete the Department's Community Academy. 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. 336.5 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. A Department-approved uniform consisting of a polo shirt will be provided for the Chaplains and will not reflect any religious affiliation. Chaplains will be issued Santa Monica Police Department identification cards, which must be carried at all times while on-duty. The identification cards will be the standard Santa Monica 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 that are not in conflict with their religious affiliation. 336.6 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. Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Chaplains Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/01/19, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentChaplains - 3(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. (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. 336.7 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Chaplains assist the Department, its members and the community, as needed. Assignments of chaplains will usually be to augment the Operations Division . Chaplains