What is a Law Enforcement Chaplain?
Law Enforcement officers often say to chaplains " I wouldn't do the difficult work you do for anything!" Law Enforcement Officers are trained and able to face armed robbers or investigate an accident. However talking to a sobbing parent at a SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) incident can erase even the most stoic officer's composure.

Entering these sad of moments is not easier for a chaplain, but the chaplain brings experience, training and skills to the incident that are as specialized and as needed as most modern officer skills.

As a team the chaplain and officer can make an important difference in the lives of people touched by tragedy. The chaplain is "chaplain" for everyone, not the religious leader of a particular tradition serving a particular congregation.

Chaplains serve many personal and spiritual needs of all sorts of individuals where ever they are. Especially when victims or officers 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 can be called at any hour, in all kinds of weather. For the most part Chaplins listen to people and do not prejudge. Chaplins also comfort people who are shaking with fear with a gentle touch...or perhaps, if someone asks, a prayer will be offered in guarded privacy to support the trembling of spirit that comes into difficult moments. Chaplains also understand the difficulties of public bureaucracies, assessing with the "red tape" moments of life for officers and the public alike. They spend many hours riding as active passengers with officers on patrol duty developing and honing their skills.

Chaplins 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 to his uniformed counterparts.

352-528-4080 for Pastor Keith Manning
Levy County Sheriffs Office Chaplain
kamtkm@aol.com


For more information regarding Chaplains visit:
International Conference of Police Chaplains