An Introduction to Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create
emotional, mental and spiritual burdens than today's law enforcement
officer. These burdens also affect the officer's family and other
members of his or her department. Law enforcement agencies need the
specialized guidance, counseling and assistance for their officers,
families and communities.
A law enforcement chaplain is a clergy with special interest and
training for providing pastoral care in the high powered and dangerous
world of law enforcement. This pastoral care is offered to all people,
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed,
or religion. It is offered without cost or the taint of proselytizing.
The law enforcement chaplain is led in his or her own faith to be
available and ready to serve those in need. The chaplain's ministry
provides a source of strength to the law enforcement officers and their
families, other department members, the community, and the incarcerated.
The law enforcement officer's clergy or religious advisor in private
life, although trained in ministry, is not necessarily abreast of the
particular problems and dangers faced by officers.
Chaplains listen and participate in the workplace of law enforcement
officers with empathy and experience, advising calmly in the midst of
turmoil and danger, and offering assistance when appropriate or
requested.