Chaplain Qualifications

To be a chaplain, the person should:

1. Be an ordained or licensed clergy person in good standing.
2. Show a God-like compassion, understanding, and a love for others.
3. Be able to relate easily to all kinds of people.
4. Maintain high spiritual and moral standards.
5. Manifest maturity in judgment, emotional stability, and personal flexibility.
6. Be tactful and considerate with people of every race, creed and religion.
7. Be willing to become involved in training (such as the basic academy, "in-house" training, seminars, etc.) that will enhance effectiveness in dealing with people and crises.
8. Be familiar with the various helping agencies in the community to which referrals can be made.
9. Be willing to respond to any and all situations where his presence as a chaplain is indicated.
10. Never have been convicted of a criminal offense, nor of offenses involving moral turpitude. (Minor traffic offenses are excluded).
11. The police chaplain needs to be a person who has a deep concern for the spiritual and emotional well-being of law enforcement personnel.
12. 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.