FAQ

Q. Who are the chaplains?

A. Chaplains are first responders who are trained in crisis/trauma 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 death 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, coroner’s cases, suicides, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), traffic fatalities, school tragedies, search and rescue, hazmat incidents, industrial accidents, officer involved shootings and line of duty deaths - to name a few. When deployed, a Chaplain will arrive on scene typically within thirty 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?

A. All Chaplaincy applicants are subject to a thorough background investigation prior to their appointment.
All Chaplains must be associated with a Faith Community that will endorse them as a Chaplain.
Chaplains must be skilled/experienced in ministry and pastoral care.
Chaplains must maintain high spiritual and moral standards, including the ability to keep confidences.
Chaplains must demonstrate a commitment to ministry with police personnel--sworn and non-sworn--first responders, and victims.