Q: Who are the Chaplains?
A: Chaplains are first responders who are trained in crisis care. The Chaplaincy includes two types of chaplains: Law Enforcement Chaplains, who are licensed or ordained ministers who serve the Law Enforcement community and their families, and Community Chaplains who serve citizens impacted by crimes and other traumatic incidents (including the families, friends, neighbors and co-workers of victims).
Q: To what kinds of incidents do Chaplains respond?
A: PCLEC responds to a range of incidents including homicides, suspicious deaths, suicides, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), kidnappings, traffic fatalities, domestic violence, school tragedies, search and rescue, hazmat incidents, industrial accidents, and child and elder abuse situations, to name a few. When deployed, a Chaplain will arrive on scene typically within twenty minutes of being called.
Q: What do Chaplains actually do?
A: Rigorously trained as first responders in crisis care, the role of the Chaplain is distinct from that of clinical counselors and congregational clergy. Providing a compassionate presence in a crisis situation, the Chaplain's role frequently includes critical incident stress debriefing and defusing, crisis counseling, provision of information and resources, arrangement for emergency food, clothing, transportation and/or shelter, and referral to a broad network of public and private agencies. Additionally, PCLEC coordinates compassionate efforts with several benevolent services throughout the community, including the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and others. Chaplains also follow up on the personal welfare of victims and provide additional emotional and spiritual support, administrative guidance, and other assistance as may be appropriate.
Q: Who Qualifies As a Chaplain?
All Chaplaincy applicants are subject to a background investigation prior to appointment
All Chaplains must be associated with a Faith Community that will endorse them as a Chaplain
Law Enforcement Chaplains must be ordained or licensed ministers in good standing in a recognized religious denomination or group
Chaplains must be skilled in ministry and pastoral care
Chaplains must maintain high spiritual and moral standards
Chaplains must demonstrate a commitment to ministry with police personnel--sworn and non-sworn--first responders, and victims
Chaplains must be familiar with and ascribe to the policies and procedures of Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy