Mission Statement

The Sylacauga Police Department Chaplain will affirm that God is the answer to man's dilemma by bearing witness to His love and power to the personnel of the department,  both sworn and civilian, their families, and those they serve.  The Chaplain will offer this care to all regardless of race, creed, sex, or religion.  It is a ministry of service.  The Chaplain will be led by his or her own faith and be ready to serve and be a source of strength to those in need.

The employees of the Sylacauga Police Department may, at times, find themselves in need of personal and family counseling and support of a personal nature.  No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental and spiritual burdens than those who work in the law enforcement environment.  An organized program designed to respond to the needs of employees in these areas will serve to enhance employee well being, both on and off the job.  The establishment of a Chaplain Corps will serve to address these specific needs providing assistance to the employee and the organization.

The purpose of providing a Chaplain Corps is to make available a qualified individual who has been trained and experienced in the methods of response, intervention and support to employees in the law enforcement community who require spiritual and religious support.  The employee's own clergy or religious advisor, although trained in the ministry, is not necessarily abreast of the particular problems of a law enforcement employee.  The program will make available a chaplain from the various faiths on a 24 hour basis.

Police work is very different than other occupations.  Of course, every group of employees develops their own sub-culture.  Yet, law enforcement encompasses a set of unique characteristics that are not always understood by the common clergy.  The police chaplain has the opportunity to understand the police sub-culture and to offer assistance in times of need.  Therefore, the more understanding the Chaplain develops, the more successful he or she will be.

Staggering Facts

The long term effects of working odd hours, the potential danger and constant exposure to negative behavior can result in suicide or divorce.

Suicide:
The nationwide suicide rate is 12 per every 100,000 people.  The suicide rate for police officers is 22 per 100,000 people.  Unfortunately, the Sylacauga Police Department is not immune to this problem.

Divorce:
67% of all law enforcement will go through divorce.  As is the case with other law enforcement agencies, the Sylacauga Police Department has a high percentage rate of divorces within the department.

Police Chaplains provide services in:

• Crisis Intervention

• Death Notification

• Grief Counseling

• Victim and Witness Assistance

• Confidential Pastoral Care

• Stress Management

• Spiritual Guidance

• Marriage and Family Guidance

Here are a few preliminary requirements for you to get started as a Sylacauga Volunteer Police Chaplain:

1.  Complete a Sylacauga Police Department Chaplain application.

2.  Complete a Civilian Ride Along application.

3.  You must have at least 2 years pastoral experience.

If you would like more information, please contact...

Officer Josh Coleman
Sylacauga Police Department
P.O. Box 2460
Sylacauga, AL 35150

Phone:  (256) 401-2442
Fax:  (256) 401-2463

Email police@sylacauga-al.com