Chaplains represent a wide variety of religious traditions and levels of professional preparation and endorsement. But when a chaplain is working in the law enforcement world, they are chaplains
for everyone, not the religious leader of a particular tradition serving a particular congregation or service agency.
Chaplains spend many hours riding as active passengers with officers on patrol duty. Chaplains serve many personal and spiritual needs of individuals where they are, when they need the support of another person who comes to them without judgment, with openness, and cares for them until the crisis is over.
Purpose of Chaplains
Chaplains respect the persons they serve, even though there may be profound differences in race, gender, economic status, religious experience, and many other factors.
Chaplains come at any hour, in all kinds of weather. Mostly, they listen. But they also comfort people who are shaking with fear with a gentle touch... or perhaps, if someone asks, a prayer will be offered in guarded privacy to support the trembling of spirit that comes in difficult moments.