Starting and Strengthening Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Programs

Why Chaplaincy - Why Now

Today’s law enforcement professionals face unprecedented pressures, including repeated exposure to trauma and loss, recruitment and retention challenges, rising suicide risk, moral injury, complex behavioral calls, overdose crises, mass-violence events, expanding digital evidence demands, and heightened community expectations.

Professional chaplaincy provides trusted, trauma-informed support that strengthens wellness, resilience, and procedural justice for officers, professional staff, families, victims, and the communities they serve.

Starting A Chaplaincy


Step 1: Define and Explore Goals

Structured Planning: Start by outlining clear objectives for your chaplaincy program. Decide your department’s main focus—officers, victims, or the community—and document these priorities in a strategic plan.

Organic Dialogue: Engage in informal discussions with department members and community leaders to gain additional insights and refine your goals. This approach helps ensure objectives remain relevant and adaptable.

Action Steps

  • Draft a strategic plan with clear objectives.

  • Schedule informal meetings or coffee chats with key stakeholders to gather feedback.


Step 2: Identify and Engage Candidates

Structured Search: Use surveys and community resources to identify potential candidates. Host formal meetings or workshops to introduce the program and gauge interest.

Organic Engagement: Attend community events to connect with clergy in a relaxed setting. Encourage department members to recommend clergy they respect and trust.

Action Steps

  • Distribute surveys and contact local religious organizations.

  • Attend community events and encourage department members to network.


Step 3: Evaluate and Select

Structured Evaluation: Conduct formal interviews and reference checks for shortlisted candidates. Use a predefined evaluation criteria sheet to ensure consistency.

Organic Assessment: Allow candidates to participate in department activities on a trial basis. Gather continuous feedback from all involved to assess overall fit.

Action Steps

  • Prepare evaluation forms and schedule interviews.

  • Invite candidates for trial participation and collect ongoing feedback.


Rare Cases and Considerations

Community Nuances: Be mindful of local cultural and religious dynamics that may affect candidate selection.

Resource Constraints: Adjust the balance between structured and organic methods based on available time and resources.



Key Takeaways

  • Integrate structured planning with organic feedback loops.

  • Balance formal candidate evaluations with trial engagements.

  • Maintain open, continuous communication to refine objectives and methods.

Chaplaincy Guide

Law enforcement chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting officers, agency leadership, and the communities they serve. Through confidential care, crisis response, and consistent presence, chaplains help strengthen wellness, resilience, and organizational trust.


This Chaplaincy Guide provides practical guidance for leaders considering a chaplaincy program, as well as for current and prospective chaplains. It outlines core roles, qualifications, training standards, credentialing, and constitutional considerations, offering a clear framework for establishing and sustaining a professional, effective chaplaincy program. The sections below provide an overview of the key topics covered in this guide. Click here to learn more.

 

  • For Leaders Considering a Chaplaincy Program
  • What Law Enforcement Chaplains Do
  • Introduction to Chaplaincy
  • A Practical Model to Launch Your Program
  • Recruiting Chaplains: Volunteer and Full Time
  • Credentials: Role, Access, Identification
  • Nomination and Appointment
  • Qualifications & Core Qualities
  • Duties & Responsibilities (Sample)
  • How to Get Started as a Chaplain
  • Training: What a Chaplain Needs to Know
  • ICPC Credentialing Levels
  • Constitutional & Policy Validation