Recognizing that the spiritual and emotional needs of our employees, their families, victims and their families cannot be ignored, the Shelby County Chaplain’s Association was formed.

The duties and responsibilities of a Chaplain are as follows:

• Assist with death notifications to the civilian population
• Assist in making notification to families of agency members who have been injured or killed.
• After family notification, will respond to the hospital when an officer has been injured or killed.
• Visit sick and injured police personnel in the hospital and home.
• Offer supportive care for victims of trauma.
• Attend and participate, when requested, in the funerals of active or retired members of the agency.
• Be on call and, if at all possible, be on the streets during any major demonstration or any public function requiring the presence of a large number of agency personnel.
• Counsel with officers and other personnel having personal problems, at their request.
• Participate with in-service training classes for personnel.
• Attend agency graduations, promotion activities, award ceremonies, dinners, social events, etc. and offer invocations and benedictions.
• Be responsible for the organization and development of the spiritual organizations in the agency.
• Respond to all major disasters such as bombings, collapse of buildings, explosions, multiple fire alarms, unusual industrial accidents, and similar situations.
• Be involved in public relations efforts.
• Provide liaison with other religious leaders in the community.
• When responding to the scene of death or injury, whether departmental person or private citizens, the chaplain will notify the person’s personal clergyperson as soon as possible.
• Will make referrals in cases where specialized attention is needed, or in those cases beyond the chaplain’s ability to assist.

Requirements for full membership:

• Must be serving in pastoral or staff ministry
• Must have five years experience in pastoral service
• Must adhere to Canons of Chaplains Ethics