What Do Law Enforcement
Chaplains Do?


ICPC seeks to maintain professionalism in law enforcement chaplaincy.


Law enforcement chaplains do some or all of the following:

  • Counsel law enforcement officers

  • Counsel other members of a department

  • Counsel the families of law enforcement officers and other department personnel

  • Visit sick or injured officers and departmental personnel in homes and hospitals

  • Make death notifications

  • Provide assistance to victims

  • Teach officers in areas such as Stress Management, Ethics, Family Life, and Pre-retirement classes and courses

  • Serve as part of a department's Crisis Response Team

  • Assist at suicide incidents

  • Serve as liaison with other clergy in the community

  • Provide for the spiritual needs of prisoners

  • Furnish expert responses to religious questions

  • Offer prayers at special occasions such as recruit graduations, awards ceremonies, and dedication of buildings

  • Serve on review boards, award boards, and other committees

  • Deal with transients and the homeless