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Volunteer Police Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Additionally, you will support and encourage BaptistCare staff and volunteers, document pastoral ... Willingness to undergo a police check Essential Competencies: * A personal commitment to growth in ...

Volunteer Police Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do volunteer police chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer police chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer police chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Police Chaplain, you typically need a background in pastoral care or ministry, strong ethical grounding, and often ordination or endorsement from a recognized religious body. Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques, law enforcement protocols, and potentially certifications in counseling or critical incident stress management are valuable. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and discretion are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities help chaplains provide meaningful emotional and spiritual support to officers and community members, especially during high-stress or traumatic incidents.

How does a volunteer police chaplain typically collaborate with law enforcement officers and the community?

Volunteer Police Chaplains work closely with law enforcement officers by providing emotional and spiritual support during stressful incidents, debriefings, and community outreach events. They often respond to critical incidents such as accidents or tragedies, offering comfort to both officers and affected civilians. Chaplains are also involved in building bridges between the police department and the community by participating in public events and fostering trust. Collaboration is key, as chaplains must maintain confidentiality while working alongside officers and other support personnel to ensure holistic care.

What is the difference between Volunteer Police Chaplain vs Police Officer?

AspectVolunteer Police ChaplainPolice Officer
CredentialsTypically no formal law enforcement credentials; often requires religious or community service backgroundRequires police academy training, certifications, and law enforcement credentials
Work EnvironmentProvides spiritual support at crime scenes, hospitals, and community eventsPatrols neighborhoods, responds to emergencies, enforces laws
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, community policing programsMunicipal, state, or federal police departments

Volunteer Police Chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support without law enforcement authority, focusing on community and victim assistance. Police Officers have law enforcement powers, perform patrols, and enforce laws. Both roles serve the community but differ significantly in credentials, responsibilities, and work environment.

What is a volunteer police chaplain?

Volunteer Police Chaplains are individuals who provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to law enforcement officers, their families, and sometimes members of the public. They are typically trained clergy or laypersons who volunteer their time to assist police departments during critical incidents, stressful situations, and community events. Their role is non-denominational and non-intrusive, focusing on offering comfort, counseling, and guidance regardless of a person's faith background. Volunteer Police Chaplains also help bridge relationships between the police force and the community, fostering trust and understanding.
More about Volunteer Police Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Police Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Police Chaplain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Chaplain jobs? The most popular types of Police Chaplain jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Police Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Police Chaplain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Police Chaplain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


City Of Murfreesboro rating

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Job description

DESCRIPTION THIS IS A VOLUNTEER (UNPAID) POSITION MPD Volunteer Chaplain is not an employee of the Murfreesboro Police Department, but rather an individual that represents a faith based community of any religion who may be called upon to assist in death notifications, assist and support victims in time of crisis, respond to suicide incidents, serve as part of a crisis response team, visit sick or injured personnel, and serve as a liaison with other clergy in the community. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES POLICY: It is the policy of the Murfreesboro Police Department to operate and maintain a Police Chaplain Program. The Police Chaplain Program creates a partnership with various faith-based leaders of the community to respond and assist police and other law enforcement agencies providing an overall better quality to the citizens of the cities and communities.

The goal is that by having the Police and Clergy working together during times of crisis or incident, a more comprehensive response will be given to those in need. The faith-based leaders will perform tasks of a more emotional, social or spiritual nature while the officers handle those tasks that are of a law enforcement nature. The role of the Chaplain is to be the 'balancer.' The Police Chaplain is to provide support for Police Officers and civilians in the time of need

Chaplains are there to provide appropriate assistance, advice, comfort, counsel and referrals to those in need who may request support. QUALIFICATIONS: MPD Volunteer Chaplains shall be a cleric in good standing, ordained by a church or religious order, and have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in ministry. MPD Volunteer Chaplain Applicants must submit to a criminal records check and background investigation.

MPD Volunteer Chaplains must reside in Rutherford County or have a ministry within Rutherford County. MPD Volunteer Chaplains must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license. SELECTION PROCESS: On-Line application along with three (3) letters of recommendation.

Interview with the Chief or designee. Background investigation. TRAINING: MPD Volunteer Chaplains are required to complete an orientation session.

MPD Volunteer Chaplains are encouraged to attend and complete the MPD Citizens Police Academy. MPD Volunteer Chaplains should establish and maintain membership in a national or international Chaplain organization. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT: Volunteer Chaplains will be issued items to make them easily identifiable during the performance of their respective duties.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS THE CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM PROCEDURES: Operational: The Volunteer Chaplains shall be on call under a rotation system maintained by the Chaplain Liaison Officer. The rotation will be based on the number of active chaplains available at a given time. A schedule of Chaplains will be posted in Communications.

Each Volunteer Chaplain must volunteer at least one (1) 48-hour period each month, to this program. Volunteer Chaplains will be permitted to ride with officers during any shift and observe MPD operations provided the shift commander has been notified. Volunteer Chaplains shall never function as an officer.

Volunteer Chaplains shall, on the scene of a situation, wait for directions from an officer. Volunteer Chaplains may be required to stand-by in a secure area until a situation has been deemed safe. Volunteer Chaplains shall not interfere with the performance of any officer's duties.

PROCEDURES: The Chaplain may be utilized in the following situations (although this list is not all inclusive): 1. In making death or serious injury notifications 2. Domestic disturbances 3.

Interacting with the mentally disturbed 4. Juvenile problems 5. Neighborhood problems and issues 6.

Natural disasters 7. Suicides or suicidal subjects 8. Homicides 9.

Violent crimes 10. Vehicle crashes involving injuries 11. Transient and homeless persons 12.

Veteran assistance issues 13. Hostage or barricaded subjects (not the role of negotiator) 14. Be available to PD employees and their families in times of personal stress, crisis, or to counsel them in matters of religion or ethics 15.

Visit sick or injured members of the MPD 16. Provide ceremonial functions 17. Provide general guidance concerning religious questions; and other situations when the need for a Chaplain is apparent.


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