THIS IS A VOLUNTEER (UNPAID) POSITION
MPD Volunteer Chaplain is not an employee of the Murfreesboro Police Department, but rather an individual that represents a faith based community of any religion who may be called upon to assist in death notifications, assist and support victims in time of crisis, respond to suicide incidents, serve as part of a crisis response team, visit sick or injured personnel, and serve as a liaison with other clergy in the community.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Murfreesboro Police Department to operate and maintain a Police Chaplain Program. The Police Chaplain Program creates a partnership with various faith-based leaders of the community to respond and assist police and other law enforcement agencies providing an overall better quality to the citizens of the cities and communities.
The goal is that by having the Police and Clergy working together during times of crisis or incident, a more comprehensive response will be given to those in need. The faith-based leaders will perform tasks of a more emotional, social or spiritual nature while the officers handle those tasks that are of a law enforcement nature. The role of the Chaplain is to be the 'balancer.' The Police Chaplain is to provide support for Police Officers and civilians in the time of need. Chaplains are there to provide appropriate assistance, advice, comfort, counsel and referrals to those in need who may request support.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MPD Volunteer Chaplains shall be a cleric in good standing, ordained by a church or religious order, and have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in ministry.
MPD Volunteer Chaplain Applicants must submit to a criminal records check and background investigation.
MPD Volunteer Chaplains must reside in Rutherford County or have a ministry within Rutherford County.
MPD Volunteer Chaplains must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
SELECTION PROCESS:
On-Line application along with three (3) letters of recommendation.
Interview with the Chief or designee.
Background investigation.
TRAINING:
MPD Volunteer Chaplains are required to complete an orientation session.
MPD Volunteer Chaplains are encouraged to attend and complete the MPD Citizens Police Academy.
MPD Volunteer Chaplains should establish and maintain membership in a national or international Chaplain organization.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT:
Volunteer Chaplains will be issued items to make them easily identifiable during the performance of their respective duties.
THE CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM PROCEDURES:
Operational:
The Volunteer Chaplains shall be on call under a rotation system maintained by the Chaplain Liaison Officer. The rotation will be based on the number of active chaplains available at a given time. A schedule of Chaplains will be posted in Communications. Each Volunteer Chaplain must volunteer at least one (1) 48-hour period each month, to this program.
Volunteer Chaplains will be permitted to ride with officers during any shift and observe MPD operations provided the shift commander has been notified.
Volunteer Chaplains shall never function as an officer.
Volunteer Chaplains shall, on the scene of a situation, wait for directions from an officer.
Volunteer Chaplains may be required to stand-by in a secure area until a situation has been deemed safe.
Volunteer Chaplains shall not interfere with the performance of any officer's duties.
PROCEDURES:
The Chaplain may be utilized in the following situations (although this list is not all inclusive):
1. In making death or serious injury notifications
2. Domestic disturbances
3. Interacting with the mentally disturbed
4. Juvenile problems
5. Neighborhood problems and issues
6. Natural disasters
7. Suicides or suicidal subjects
8. Homicides
9. Violent crimes
10. Vehicle crashes involving injuries
11. Transient and homeless persons
12. Veteran assistance issues
13. Hostage or barricaded subjects (not the role of negotiator)
14. Be available to PD employees and their families in times of personal stress, crisis, or to counsel them in matters of religion or ethics
15. Visit sick or injured members of the MPD
16. Provide ceremonial functions
17. Provide general guidance concerning religious questions; and other situations when the need for a Chaplain is apparent
