Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
4 1/24/2011 08/02/24
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____________________
376 - Chaplain Program 1
POLICY 376 CHAPLAIN S
376.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
To provide guidance to the clergy personnel and to department personnel regarding the
parameters of the Chaplain Program .
376.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standa rds: 16.4.1 , 16.4.2, 16.4.3 , 45.3.1 , 45.3.2 ,
45.3.3 , 55.2.6
This policy pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
376.2 POLICY
The department recognize s that today, more than ever, law enforcement agencies need access
to religious guidance, counseling, and assistance to officers, their families, and our community. It
is the policy of the department to address those needs via the establishment of an Interfaith -
based Chaplain Program.
376.3 DEFINITIONS
Chaplain Coordinato r – Clergyperson selected by the Chaplains to act as a liaison with the
police department .
Chaplains Steering Committe e – A group of Chaplains selected by the Chaplain Coordinator to
assist in setting policies and provide guidance on current issues affecting the program .
Master Schedule – A monthly schedule provided to all participating clergypersons and the Tustin
Police Department Coordinator .
Police Chaplain – Duly ordained and appointed as an approved and experienced
denominational representative who is first and foremost a person of God; who’s primary
responsibility is to assist law enforcement officers and their families, upon request, in matters
within the Chaplain’s realm.
Tustin Police Department Coordinator – Police Lieutenant or Police Sergeant who coordinates
the program with the Chaplain Coordinator .
376.4 CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
It is the goal of the department to have Chaplains available at all times to assist when needed. It
is understood the Cha plain Program is a voluntary civilian position and there may be times when
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
4 1/24/2011 08/02/24
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____________________
376 - Chaplain Program 2
a Chaplain cannot commit to being available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For this
purpose, the department will have a two-tiered Chaplain Program.
Tier One : Tier one Chaplains shall agree to actively participate in all facets of the Chaplain
Program. Tier one Chaplains are required to participate in ride-alongs and be subject to call -outs
per the Chaplain Program master schedule .
Tier Two : Tier two Chaplains are Chaplains who, due to time restrictions, cannot commit to a call -
out schedule; however, still agree to participate in special events, critical incidents, and other
related activities. The role and responsibilities of tier two Chaplains will be defined by the
Chaplain Steering Committee .
376.5 PROCEDURE
376.5.1 CREDENTIALS
The law enforcement Chaplain is first and foremost a person of God, duly ordained and appointed
as an approved and experienced denominational representative. The Chaplain’s responsibi lity is
to assist law enforcement officers and their families, upon request, in matters within the
Chaplain’s realm. The Chaplain shall not, in any way, interfere with an officer in the performance
of their duty. Police Chaplain s have no police powers.
376.5.2 QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
A candidate for law enforcement Chaplain shall meet the following requirements:
a) Tier One Chaplains should be a ranking member/official within their respective church,
synagogue, congregation, etc. They should be eccle siastically certified by a recognized
theological institute. They ar e expected to be in good standing and endorsed by a
recognized religious body and the Chaplains Steering Committee . They should have five
(5) years of full -time experience in mini stry and shall be currently serving as an official
(e.g. Pastor, Rabbi, Imam) within their religious body in the local Tustin area .
b) Show a God -like compassion, understanding, a nd love for others and relate easily to
people .
c) Maintain high spiritual and mora l standards .
d) Be able and willing to be carefully screened by the Chaplains’ Steering Committee .
e) Be willing and available to respond to any and all situations where a Chaplain’s presence
is requested .
f) Manifest a broad base of experience and professional min istry, emotional stability, and
personal flexibility .
g) Be tactful and considerate in approaching all people, regardless of race, sex, creed, or
religion .
h) Be willing to become involved in training programs that enhance their efficiency in meeting
and deali ng with people in crises. A Chaplain should be familiar with community medical,
psychiatric, and other helping resources in the local area .
i) Must possess good moral standards and never have been arrested or convicted of a
criminal offense or offenses invol ving moral turpitude .
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
4 1/24/2011 08/02/24
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____________________
376 - Chaplain Program 3