doc_1835974

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: October 6, 2022  Rescinds Amends 17.5 ( August 25, 2021 ) Number: 17.5 SUBJECT: Law Enforcement Chaplain Program Print Date: 10/06/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: October This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy i s to provide for law e nforcement chaplains who volunteer their time to support law enforcemen t functions and assist agency employees and family members who are seeking compassionate support or pastoral guidance. 2. Policy Law enforcement work may result in substantial stress and strain upon office rs and their family members, whose needs may be better met by clergy familiar with the issues and difficulties unique to law enforcement. The Law Enforcement Chaplain Program shall provide support services and counseling of a nondenominational nature to a gency employees and their families who request such consideration. Agency employees and their families may also request that a law enforcement chaplain associated with a particular religion provide spiri tual guidance that specifically reflects that faith. Law e nforcement chaplains may participate in appropriate agency ceremonies and assist with death notifications as needed. 17.5, Page 2 3. Definitions A. Associate Chaplain – A person training to be a Field Chaplain . B. Chaplain Liaison – Serves as a liaison between members of the program and the agency. C. Field Chaplain – A person who has an ecclesiastical certification, or is ordained or licensed by a denomination, and who has completed the training required by the agency. D. Honorary Chaplain – One appointed by the Chief of Police as he deems necessary. All recommendations of Honorary Chaplains shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police and may be ministers and/or lay pe rsons who wish to promote and support the spiritual welfare of the law enforcement community. 4. Procedures A. Chaplain Services The Chief of Police will serve as the “Chaplain Liaison .” The duties of the Chaplain Liaison include the following: 1. Evaluate potential candidates and submit names of recommended candidates to the Chief of Police for selection. 2. Ensure all program activities are appropriately documented. 3. Strictly adhere to all confidentially provisions. 4. Ensure the return of all agency issued credentials and equipment when a clergy member resigns or is terminated from the Law Enfor cement Chaplain Program. 5. Ensure strict compliance with the mandates of Article I, Section 3, of the Florida Constitution, including, “No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution. ” 6. Obtain s tatistical data from law enforcement chaplains regarding services rendered. 7. Document all program activ ities. 17.5, Page 3 8. In all other respects, ensure proper administration of the program. B. Application Applicants interested in becoming a law e nforcement chaplain shall apply via the town website. C. Eligibility Requirements Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: 1. Licensed or ordained by a religious body that has been granted tax -exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service . 2. Recommendation from the appropriate authorities of the religious body they are associated with. 3. Minimum of five years of experience in the ministry . 4. Citizen or legal resident of the United States. 5. Individuals with criminal records , arrest history or history of possession, cultivation, sales or distribution, or use of controlled substances, may be excluded from consideration. D. Selection Process 1. Candidates must successfully complete the following to be considered for selection: a. Pre-screener b. Back ground check c. Driver License check d. Finger print s e. Drug test ing f. Other p rocesses as provided for under Special Order 3.0, Law Enforcement Chaplain Program. 17.5, Page 4 E. Training 1. Law e nforcement chaplains shall complete an orientation of agency facilities, functions and organizational structure, and have a th orough familiarization with agency policy as it relates to the function of the Chaplain Program. These policies are located within the Chaplain FTO Checklist. F. Duties 1. Provide the Chaplain Liaison with phone numbers where the Chaplain may be reached day or night. 2. Encouraged to participate in some agency functions quarterly. e.g., riding with an officer, visiting the court house, visiting Communications, or participating in a special operation. 3. Attend meetings. 4. Read and follow agency written directives . 5. Respond to request for personal assistance from agency employees or their family members. 6. Serve in ceremonial functions, e.g., participate in funeral or memorial services as requested, and attend award programs and academy graduations. 7. Provide training and in -service classes as requested. The training may address personal stress, family crisis intervention, and acquainting employees with services offered by law enforcement chaplain. 8. If requested by Communications, a supervisor or manager, notify nex t of kin of a member of the public who is deceased