Lucky thing for chaplains that Father Mulcahey of the TV series MASH had a good reputation among his medical unit - he didn't preach at them and he never supposed he was "one of the boys," yet he was always present to them and quietly served whenever and wherever they needed him.

"Chaplain, this is the dispatcher. We have a Code 44 (police officer down) and Unit 31 is in the emergency room.

This type of call sends an immediate chill up the spine. No one is quite sure what had happened or just how badly hurt the officer is. And this type of call usually comes in the middle of the night, rarely during the daylight hours. The chaplain dresses quickly and responds to the hospital to check on the officer, and on the officers family who also have been called, and to work with the officer's friends who have gathered there as well. The chaplain is the comforting presence, the stabilizing influence in a time of uncertainty and fear.

Thankfully, this type of call is NOT the norm. More often it is the chaplain who regularly visits the station and becomes well acquainted with the department personnel will be approached by an officer who says, "Chaplain, do you have a few minutes? I need to talk about something that has been bothering me."

In many cases it will be a personal problem involving a family matter. It may be that they have received a reprimand from a superior officer and feels it was unjust or unwarranted. Rarely does the officer stop the chaplain to talk "church talk."

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHAPLAIN

Today, more than ever in the history of law enforcement agencies, the need for religious guidance and assistance to law enforcement officers is great and demanding. Each day the police officer is faced with potentially dangerous situations as they come into contact with the baser elements of society. They must make split-second decisions that are just and right, knowing that someone with a lot of time will be analyzing what was done, and how it should have been handled differently- all with the expertise of an armchair quarterback. After careful deliberation of the facts that person will tell the officer whether or not the split-second decision was the right one. Many times after such a situation the officer has the feeling they are coming apart at the seams and need someone trustworthy to "dump on." That person has to be one who fully understands the circumstances surrounding the decisions that were made.

There is a great need to be able to "let it all hang out" with someone who will not be judgmental, but understanding. Someone needs to be there to hear what the officer is up against, yet is detached enough not to become personally involved in the situation.

Often an officer does not feel comfortable taking with the supervisor or even other officers about a problem they are experiencing. They do not want to take the problem home to the spouse or parents as they do not want to alarm them. Where can they go?

The police chaplain needs to be the one who can listen with empathy, advise calmly, and offer assistance when such assistance is appropriate. On call 24 hours a day the chaplain stands ready to respond. The key words are "service" and "presence." The chaplain knows they need to be with the officer whenever and wherever their service is needed.

The Chaplaincy is no place for a person who does not like to have his sleep interrupted. It is not a vocation or avocation for the person who is enamored of a uniform and wishes only to be used on "state occasions." The Chaplaincy must be filled by a person whose primary desire is to be of help to law enforcement personnel wherever and whenever the call may come.

THE CHAPLAIN'S QUALIFICATIONS

To be a chaplain, the person should:

The police chaplain needs to be a person who has a deep concern for the spiritual and emotional well-being of law enforcement personnel. The chaplain may or may not have received the basic law enforcement training given to new officers, although some chaplains have become sworn officers usually serving as reserve or auxiliary officers, and some may carry weapons.

When I started my work as a volunteer police chaplain I found that the personnel were friendly, but would not openly talk about the problems of police work which were the root of their concerns. When I asked the sheriff how I could get closer to them, to get them to respond to me as their chaplain, he said, "Become one of them." After completing the 300 hours of training I began riding with them on patrol, and they did begin to talk. Once they know you are willing to face the street scene with them you will be accepted.

One thing the chaplain must not do is to preach to them when riding with them, or when speaking with them in the office. The chaplain should just be there accepting the officer as he or she is, but not trying to be "one of the guys," using inappropriate language or sharing stories that are "colorful." The chaplain must remember that he is God's representative to a hurting people and act accordingly.

THERE ARE MANY AREAS IN WHICH THE CHAPLAIN CAN HELP OFFICERS IN DOING THEIR DUTY. THEY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED, TO:

ASSISTANCE IN MAKING NOTIFICATIONS TO FAMILIES WHEN THERE HAS BEEN A DEATH IN THE FAMILY DUE TO HOMICIDE, SUICIDE, ACCIDENTAL OR NATURAL CAUSES.

HELP COMFORT PERSONS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN AUTO OR OTHER TYPE ACCIDENT, OR COMFORTING THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.

ASSISTS IN DEALING WITH ATTEMPTED OR POTENTIAL SUICIDE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

HELPING OFFICERS DEAL WITH CONFUSED AND/OR EMOTIONALLY DISTRESSED PERSONS.

AIDING IN CASES OF DOMESTIC DISPUTES WHERE FAMILIES INDICATE A WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT COUNSELING (ON A SHORT-TERM, EMERGENCY BASIS ONLY). LONG TERM COUNSELING SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE PERSON'S OWN PASTOR OR SOME OTHER AGENCY.

RESPONDING WHEN AN OFFICER IS KILLED OR INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

RESPOND TO SCENES OF MAJOR DISASTERS IN WHICH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE INVOLVED, I.E., BOMBINGS, TRAIN OR PLANE ACCIDENTS, EXPLOSIONS, INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, TOXIC SPILLS, ETC. BE THERE IN THE FIELD WITH THE OFFICERS.

PROMOTE AND CONDUCT MEMORIAL SERVICES WHEN APPROPRIATE. OBSERVE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL DAY ON OR ABOUT MAY 15TH OR EACH YEAR.

ATTEND SUCH OCCASIONS AS ACADEMY GRADUATIONS, AWARD OR PROMOTION CEREMONIES, DINNERS, SOCIAL EVENTS, AND OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTIONS AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT.

WORK IN THE AREA OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AS LIAISON WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

IF THERE IS AN OFFICER OR A DEPARTMENT WHOSE PRIMARY CONCERNS ARE CHILD OR SPOUSE ABUSE OR SEX CRIMES, THE CHAPLAIN CAN OFTEN BE THE SOFT SHOULDER FOR THE OFFICER WHO IS FEELING OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL. THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD NEVER OVERLOOK THE CHAPLAIN WHEN IT COMES TO DEALING WITH JUVENILE DELINQUENTS BECAUSE HE MAY BE A GUIDING INFLUENCE.

CONFIDENTIALITY

THIS BECOMES ONE OF THE TOUCHIEST AREAS IN DEALING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. THERE HAS TO BE AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHIEF OR SHERIFF OR OTHER HEAD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, THAT SOME THINGS DISCUSSED WILL BE HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL. WITHOUT THIS AGREEMENT THERE WILL BE NO POSSIBILITY THAT AN OFFICER WILL COMPLETELY UNBURDEN HIM/HERSELF TO THE CHAPLAIN. THE PERSONNEL HAVE TO KNOW THAT THIS CONFIDENCE WILL BE MAINTAINED.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WHAT THE OFFICERS TELLS YOU HAS A DIRECT BEARING UPON THE INDIVIDUAL'S EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND/OR ABILITY TO DO THE JOB EFFECTIVELY? NOW COMES THE QUESTION: DOES THE OFFICER TRUST YOU IMPLICITLY? IF SO, THEN THE TWO OF YOU CAN PROBABLY WORK OUT SOME SORT OF AN ARRANGEMENT WHERE HE WILL BE WILLING TO TALK WITH ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR IF IT IS OUT OF YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE.

IF THERE IS HESITATION, A SHOWING OF A LACK OF TRUST IN YOU, IT WILL BE UP TO YOU WHETHER OR NOT WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICER'S SUPERVISOR WILL CAUSE HARM TO THE OFFICER, TO ANOTHER OFFICER, OR TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT BECOMES A JUDGMENT CALL, BUT ONE WHICH WILL AFFECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP NOT ONLY WITH THAT OFFICER, BUT WITH THE OTHER OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL. WILL YOUR ACTIONS A CAUSE THEM TO DISTRUST YOU IN THE FUTURE? WILL YOUR ACTIONS CAUSE "THE BRASS" TO LOSE CONFIDENCE IN YOU?

THERE IS NO EASY ANSWER TO DISCLOSING SOMETHING TOLD YOU IN CONFIDENCE.

THE POLICE FAMILY

THE CHAPLAIN STANDS READY TO ASSIST THE OFFICERS AND FAMILY IN THE TIMES OF DISTRESS, CRISES INVOLVING THE POSSIBILITY OF SEPARATION AND DIVORCE AND PROBLEMS IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED.

NO ONE UNDERSTANDS THE STRESS, THE PRESSURES, THE PROBLEMS, THE DISCOURAGEMENTS THAT ARE A PART OF THE OFFICER'S DAILY LIFE EXCEPT THE PERSON WHO HAS WALKED WITH THAT OFFICER IN GOOD DAYS AS WELL AS BAD DAYS. THERE ARE SITUATIONS WHICH THE OFFICER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DISCUSS WITH AN OUTSIDER DUE TO DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS, BUT FOR WHICH THE CHAPLAIN HAS BEEN CLEARED AND IS AVAILABLE TO RESPOND. THE CHAPLAIN MAY EVEN HAVE FACED THAT OR A SIMILAR PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY.

GENERALLY THE CHAPLAIN CAN BE CALLED UPON AT ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. HOWEVER, WE DO WANT TO STATE THAT THE CHAPLAIN WILL NOT, AND DOES NOT WISH TO TAKE THE PLACE OF THE OFFICER'S OWN PASTOR. THE CHAPLAIN IS THERE TO HELP UNTIL THE FAMILY'S PASTOR CAN ARRIVE, OR TO BE THE PASTOR IF THE FAMILY HAS NO CHURCH AFFILIATION.

THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHAPLAIN

AS STATED BEFORE, THE CHAPLAIN MAY OR MAY NOT BE A SWORN OFFICER, BUT HE IS A PERSON OF GOD WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSIST ALL OFFICERS ON MATTERS THAT FALL WITHIN THE REALM OF THE CHAPLAINCY.

THE CHAPLAIN SHOULD REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD, HOWEVER, THAT ANY INFORMATION OF A PRIVILEGED NATURE SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN ANY REPORT MADE BY THE CHAPLAIN TO SUCH HEAD OFFICER.

TO BE EFFECTIVE IN HIS ROLE AS A HELPER, THE CHAPLAIN SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO RIDE WITH OFFICERS ON ALL SHIFTS, SHALL BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO VISIT ALL OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND BE WELCOMED AT THE VARIOUS SCENES AT WHICH THE OFFICERS ARE WORKING. THIS REQUIRES THAT THE CHAPLAIN BE ISSUED A DEPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION CARD AND POSSIBLY, A UNIFORM SO AS TO READILY IDENTIFY. IF POSSIBLE, THE CHAPLAIN SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO RADIO COMMUNICATIONS OF SOME SORT, AND/OR A PAGER IN ORDER TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE DISPATCHER IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES.

THE CHAPLAIN SHALL NOT RELEASE ANY INFORMATION TO THE NEWS MEDIA EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE CHIEF OR THE SHERIFF.

LEARNING IN RETROSPECT

ONE DEPARTMENT WITH WHICH I BECAME AFFILIATED HAD AN OFFICER KILLED AND ONE WOUNDED IN A SHOOTING IN THE STATION PARKING LOT TEN MONTHS PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL IN THE CITY. I HEARD MUCH ABOUT IT AND WE HELD A MEMORIAL SERVICE ONE YEAR AFTER THE DEATH. THAT ALL SEEMED TO GO WELL AND SEEMED TO BE COMFORTING TO THE FAMILY.

A WHILE LATER THE SECOND OFFICER, THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN WOUNDED, INVITED ME TO HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE WITH HIM, I SENSED THAT HE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED - POST-SHOOTING TRAUMA HAD SET IN. I SAT AND LISTENED, BUT I WAS TOO UNSURE OF MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AT THE TIME TO PRESS HIM TO REVEAL JUST HOW HE FELT. THE RIGHT QUESTION PROBABLY WOULD HAVE OPENED THE FLOOD GATE AND HEALING MIGHT HAVE TAKEN PLACE. BUT I SAT THERE ON MY HANDS, DOING NOTHING. AND HE DID NOTHING AND SAID NOTHING. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY !

WAS I WRONG IN NOT INSISTING ON TALKING IT OUT? IN RETROSPECT I WOULD HAVE TO SAY, YES, I WAS WRONG. THIS WAS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME. NOW, I WOULD MUCH RATHER ERR IN PUSHING THE OFFICER TO TALK ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE THAN IN ALLOWING HIM TO SUFFER IN SILENCE. IF YOU SENSE THERE IS SOMETHING BOTHERING AN OFFICER LET HIM KNOW YOU KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG, AND THAT YOU WANT TO HELP. WE, AS CHAPLAINS, MUST BE WILLING TO BE VULNERABLE IF WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS. AND YOU OFFICERS, IF YOU WANT TO TALK AND THE CHAPLAIN SEEMS UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO - FOR HEAVENS SAKE TELL HIM OR HER.

THE POLICE CHAPLAIN NEEDS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH OTHER CHAPLAINS, NOT ONLY LOCALLY, BUT THROUGHOUT THE NATION. THERE IS AN ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO KEEPING CHAPLAINS IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER AND ALSO TO PROVIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THEIR SPECIALIZED FIELD. THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF POLICE CHAPLAINS (ICPC) EXISTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FELLOWSHIP, ASSISTANCE ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS, AND FOR PROVIDING SEMINARS TO HELP FURTHER THE KNOWLEDGE OF POLICE CHAPLAINS. SEMINAR LEADERS ARE PROVIDED BY OUR OWN PEOPLE AS WELL AS THOSE FROM THE FBI, LOCAL AND STATE POLICE AGENCIES.

FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE ICPC CONTACT: ICPC, ROUTE 5, BOX 310, LIVINGSTON, TEXAS 77351.