Chaplain Corps

Police Chaplains are community clergy members who volunteer for the Frederick Police Department. They serve in a wide variety of ways. They can be called upon to assist and support families in times of crisis or the death of a loved one. 

Volunteer Chaplain Brochure (PDF)

Volunteer Chaplain

A Volunteer Chaplain is a person who:

• Brings at least five years of experience in ministry
• Evidences in actions, words, and attitudes a high spiritual and moral character
• Has the desire to serve the citizens of Frederick from a unique perspective
• Has endorsement and credentials from a recognized religious body
• Has the gifts and graces necessary to fulfill this special ministry
• Has successfully completed a thorough background check
• Is ready to assist members of the Department personally and in the exercising of the duties assigned to them
• Is willing to make themselves available to assist the Department when called upon
• Is willing to serve as a team member of the Frederick Police Department

Duties & Responsibilities

Some of the duties that are performed by the Volunteer Chaplains include:

• Assist as requested in the Department's community and public relations efforts
• Assist departmental officials in making notifications of serious injury or death to families, and their personal clergy, of police officers or private citizens
• Assist departmental officials in making notifications to families of police officers receiving serious injury or upon death. Respond to the scene of death or injury, when presence would be helpful
• Attend and participate in funerals/memorial services of active as well as retired members of the Department
• Attend departmental graduations, promotions, award ceremonies, and offer invocations and benedictions
• Attend regular staff meetings of the Chaplains and discuss mutual problems and programs
• Be on-call and, if at all possible, on the street during any major demonstrations in the City or any public function requiring the presence of a large number of police officers
• Be willing to enter into training courses to enhance his/her effectiveness
• Counsel officers with personal problems
• Make referrals in cases where specialized attention is needed, or in those cases beyond the Chaplain's ability to assist
• Participate in in-service training classes as requested
• Periodically attend roll calls and participate in roll call training efforts as requested
• Present formal lectures and make presentations at the police academy
• Provide liaison with other religious leaders within the community
• Respond to all major disasters in the City: 
  • Airplane Crashes
  • Bombings
  • Collapsed Buildings
  • Explosions
  • Multi-Alarm Fires
  • Unusual Industrial Accidents and Other Disasters
• Visit or contact sick or injured police personnel at home or in the hospital
• When an officer is seriously injured or has died on duty, respond to the hospital emergency room on request and identify himself to the hospital staff and the hospital chaplain and work with both according to common ethical courtesies