NBPD Chaplain Program

The New Braunfels Police Department Chaplain Program provides spiritual and emotional support to NBPD officers, civilian staff, their families, and also members of the public (at the request of the department) by providing counseling, spiritual guidance, and insight.

Chaplains serve as a resource to the Police Department (and other city departments) during natural or other disasters; events involving the loss of life, and other critical or serious accidents.  They can also be called upon as a resource for those dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other domestic issues where a spiritual support resource could be helpful.

CHAPLAIN SELECTION

• NBPD Chaplains must be ordained pastors or leaders of churches within the New Braunfels area and must be ecclesiastically certified and/or endorsed, ordained, licensed, or commissioned by a recognized religious body.
• NBPD Chaplains must also have respect for the pluralistic nature of our city and the diverse spiritual preferences among those they serve in the department.  
• Chaplains must also have at least 5 years of successful ministry experience within a recognized church or religious denomination, along with membership in good standing with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), or be eligible to enroll for membership.
• Chaplains serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police and undergo a detailed background investigation, a written application process, and an interview process with the Chief of Police.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in making notification to families of department members who have been seriously injured or killed.
• Assist the department in making notification to citizens within the City of the death of a family member.
• Visit sick or injured law enforcement personnel in the hospital and/or at their home.
• When requested, help with funerals for active or retired members of the department.
• Assist sworn personnel in the diffusion of a conflict or incident when requested to by on-scene staff.
• Provide confidential counseling with officers and other personnel having personal problems, at their request.
• Attend Department Ceremonies.
• Serve in a leadership role that supports spiritual and faith-based events and programs and classes for the Police Department personnel.
• Respond in an “on call basis” to major emergencies and disasters and similar critical incidents as requested by on-scene staff.
• Provide a liaison with other religious leaders of the community.
• Participate in monthly departmental clergy meetings.
• Participate in Emergency Preparedness planning and drills.