Police Chaplain

The Chaplaincy volunteer program has the responsibility to provide the Scappoose Police Department members and the citizens of the City of Scappoose with the Services of a chaplain on a regular basis, building and maintaining an attitude of cooperation and mutual respect between the department and the citizens. This would include officer involved shootings, accidents with multiple injuries or death, next of kin notifications, suicides, incidents involving young children and other types of traumatic events. The Chaplains’ role is to be available for officers, staff, their families and the members of the public.

The chaplain invited to be a part of our program will be offered the opportunity to receive training designed to enhance their ability to work with people in crisis situations. Chaplains will also be provided with information relating to other Department resources available to officers/staff involved in critical incidents.

A Candidate for the Scappoose Police Chaplain should meet the following requirements.  Must be above reproach, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not be addicted to alcohol or other drugs, not contentious, and free from excessive debt. Must manage their household, family, and personal affairs well. Must have a good reputation with those outside the church.

A Police Chaplain shall pass a background check for the position of volunteer. They shall possess a valid driver’s license and should not have been convicted of any crimes.

A Police Chaplain must show genuine compassion and relate easily to people. They must maintain high spiritual and moral standards and be tactful and considerate in approaching all people, regardless of race, sex, creed or religion.

Must have at least five years of successful ministry experience with a recognized church or religious denomination. Must be ecclesiastically certified and/or endorsed, ordained, licensed, or commissioned by a recognized religious body.

Qualifications   

Chaplain candidates are encouraged to participate in the ride-along program before and during the selection process. Chaplain candidates shall successfully complete the following process prior to deployment as chaplain:

Appropriate written application. Recommendation from their Church elders, board, or council. Interview with The Chief of Police and Complete an appropriate probationary period as designated by the Chief of Police. For more information on functions and requirements please contact the Police Administrator at 503.543.3114 or thald@scappoosepolice.com with questions regarding this opportunity.

Please Note: This is a non-sworn unpaid volunteer position.