CHAPLIN 25.3
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: FIRE AND POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
GENERAL ORDER: 25.3
EFFECTIVE: March 1, 2003
SUPERSEDES: NEW
ACCREDITATION
STANDARDS: CFA NONE
PAGES: 3
CONTENTS: This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. FIRE/POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
II. CHAPLAIN SELECTION CRITERIA
III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
IV. EVALUATION AND REVIEW
PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines and responsibilities for proper utilization and administration of the Fire/Police
Chaplain Program.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all Fire and Police Department members.
DISCUSSION:
The Fire/Police Chaplain is a volunteer member (VIP) of the department who is an approved and
experienced representative of his/her religious denomination. The Fire/Police Chaplain is not a law enforcement officer
or firefighter, but a volunteer minister providing spiritual help, guidance and counseling. The Fire/Police Chaplain’s
responsibilities are to assist members and their families upon request, in matters within their realm.
PROCEDURE:
I. FIRE/POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM:
Police work and firefighting can place many burdens on public safety
personnel and their families, which may require religious counsel and guidance. Clergy who are familiar with the
situations and circumstances unique to fire and police work may be better qualified to meet their need. The Fire/Police
Chaplain Program is comprised of a clergy member who has volunteered to help meet the spiritual and pastoral requests
of Tequesta Police and Fire/Rescue Department employees and their families by working with them and developing and
understanding the problems they face. The Fire/Police Chaplain Program shall be organized and managed in the
following manner:
A.
The Chaplain shall be assigned to the police Department’s VIP Program,
B.
The Chiefs of the two departments or their designee shall be designated as a liaison to coordinate activities of the
Fire/Police Chaplain including, but not limited to, assignment, meetings, training and evaluations.
G.O.25.3
II. CHAPLAIN SELECTION CRITERIA:
A.
TheFire/Police Chaplain shall be professionally trained and licensed or an ordained religious leader.
B.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be able to understand, accept and relate to persons holding religious commitments
different from their own.
C.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be supportive of the need for law enforcement in the community.
D.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall have experience in skills and counseling and shall be knowledgeable of community
resources and referrals.
E.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be of high moral standing.
F.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be willing to take an active role in the Fire and Police Chaplain Program.
G.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be receptive to responding to situations where need is indicated.
III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Fire/Police Chaplain will be called upon to perform the following:
A.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall be available to offer counsel to police officers, fire fighters and employees who
may have personal problems.
B.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall provide liaison with other religious leaders in the community.
C.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall conduct memorial services, and other religious activities and may attend special
functions such as award ceremonies and recruit graduation classes.
D.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may be requested to assist Tequesta Police Department and/or Fire/Rescue Department
team members involving crisis situations. The Chaplain, however, shall not be permitted to enter potentially dangerous
situations without prior approval of the law enforcement or Fire/Rescue commander on scene.
E.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may, in special situations, be requested to intervene in civil disorders, in an effort to
establish an atmosphere of calm and stability.
F.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may visit sick or injured employees and their families.
G.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may be requested to accompany officers on death and serious injury notification
assignments, involving community or law enforcement/fire/rescue families.
H.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall, upon request, provide qualified instructors in areas of ethical standards, human
relations, human behavior, family life and spiritual fulfillment.
I.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may be requested to accompany major disater response teams into affected areas and
provide support services to the bereaved.
J.
The Fire/Police Chaplain may be accessed directly by employees or if needed at a fire or law enforcement action
or function, through the communications center via a request of a police/fire supervisor. Chaplains will carry
department issued pagers.
K.
The Fire/Police Chaplain shall not, without approval of the Chief of Police or the Fire Chief, discuss with the
media or other unauthorized persons cases in which they may become involved or have personal knowledge.
IV. EVALUATION AND REVIEW
: The Chiefs of Police and Fire, or their designee, shall at least annually, review
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G.O.25.3
and evaluate the performance of the Fire/Police Chaplain(s) and make recommendations for the improvement of the
overall performance of the Fire/Police Chaplain’s Program and/or participants.
DRAFTED:
RLG/January 28, 2003/Filed: Chaplain25.3
APPROVED:
___________________________________________
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
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