by Chaplain David Fair

A number of years ago while attending an ICPC training seminar, another chaplain and myself were sharing a ride-a-long in a unit from the host department.

Several patrol cars, including ours, had become involved in a car chase. One of the lead units had stopped the fleeing vehicle. As soon as the unit in which we were riding got to the scene, even before our car quit rolling, the other chaplain grabbed his flashlight and opened the car door.

Immediately the officer behind the wheel said, "Hey. Wait a minute!"

I guess as chaplains we have all done that or at least thought about it, especially in the beginning of our chaplain careers. Make no mistake about it, many chaplains go through a "rookie phase" just like officers do.

The real problem comes if the chaplain fails, after he learns the ropes, to make a clear distinction between the difference of being a cop and being a chaplain.

Certainly every chaplain has resolved, in his or her mind when the chips are down, a chaplain may have to take action and become involved in a situation when the officer needs assistance.

But there should be clear roles that a chaplain is not to interfere with a call in any way unless so requested by the officer. Most law enforcement chaplains have uniforms, badges and carry much of the same equipment as a regular officer.

But some chaplains, who have not received formal police training and are not commissioned officers, step over the line into the officer's role. This is dangerous for the reputation of the chaplain because they can be tagged a "Wanna Be" by the officers.

A chaplain should participate in special roles for which they have been trained.

Examples are:

• family violence,

• crisis negotiation,

• traffic control,

• or similar duties where an officer can be freed to tend to law enforcement business.

Should a chaplain desire to become a police officer, either regular or reserve, to expand their usefulness that's fine. But the chaplain must pay his dues.

This involves going to the police academy or some other approved means of training. Then the chaplain takes the state exam just like all other officers. Before a chaplain undertakes this course of action, he or she will want to discuss it with the Chief or Sheriff to make sure it meets with their approval.

What are the pros and cons of a chaplain also being a commissioned police officer?

It depends on the agency, the policies, and the duties. Rough estimates say about 30% of chaplains carry commissions. Many just go through the academy for the experience with no thought of actually becoming an officer -- just wanting to learn what the officer actually goes through.

The bottom line is either be a chaplain or a chaplain/officer, not a "Wanna Be".

Stay on the chaplain side of the fence, stay in our own lane, or pay your dues, get the training, and earn the right. There can be no short cuts. "Wanna Be" chaplains create distrust among officers. They may question what is the chaplain more interested in, the streets or the ministry?

In closing, even a chaplain/officer must be careful. We are there always first as chaplain and as officers second. Use the fact that you are an officer to your advantage. You will know what officers really are going through and it can increase your chance for ministry.

Frankly, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a chaplain only. It removes any doubt as to your motives.

Chaplain David Fair is a renowned crisis intervention and stress management specialist for emergency responders. He is the former director of chaplain services with the Brownwood Police Department, Texas Dept. of Public Safety’s Critical Incident Response Team, and the Texas Dept. of Health’s Critical Incident Stress Management Network.

Reprinted from the International Conference of Police Chaplain’s Website