As a team, both chaplain and officer make an important difference in the lives of persons touched by tragedy. We work together. Chaplains represent a wide variety of religious traditions and levels of professional preparation and endorsement. Chaplains serve many personal and spiritual needs of individuals where they are, when they need the support of another person who comes to them without judgment, with openness, and cares for them until the crisis moment is over. Chaplains respect the persons they serve, even though there may be profound differences in race, gender, economic status, religious experience and many other factors.
Chaplains come at any hour, in all kinds of weather.
Mostly, they listen. But they also comfort people who are shaking with fear with a gentle touch . . . They spend many hours riding as active passengers with officers on patrol duty. They also participate in a wide variety of training programs with their officer partners. Often chaplains are asked to teach classes on dealing with stress, family life, relationships, ethics, and other issues.