Chaplaincy in Law Enforcement

Thoroughly revised and rewritten, this new second edition serves as a comprehensive first step for law enforcement departments seeking a police chaplain as well as a useful resource for the experienced police chaplain. This text is a manual of procedures, concepts, guidelines, and forms that are presented in plain, clear language, yet with substantial depth of knowledge. Major topics include how to get started as a Chaplain; how to relate to law enforcement department people; theological foundations; confidentiality; crisis intervention and counseling; death notifications; disasters; domestic disputes; officer deaths and funerals; addicted officers; hostage negotiations; and victim assistance. In addition, the Appendices offer resources for services; the Chaplain’s Code of Ethics; a model for starting a chaplaincy program; requirements to be a chaplain; the Chaplain’s Oath; plus where and how to receive chaplain training. All of the above features serve to fulfill the central purpose of the book: to enable law enforcement administrators to establish a program for chaplaincy, and, for experienced chaplains, to find new ideas to add to what they are doing. This book will also help parish clergy and leaders understand the role of law enforcement chaplaincy within a community.