Sonoma County, California, north of San Francisco Bay, is the site of an unusual and highly successful Law Enforcement Chaplaincy program, the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Service in Sonoma County (LECS). Through an alliance between local clergy and Law Enforcement, our Chaplaincy was established in 1998. It now numbers just over 70 trained chaplains who respond immediately 24/7 to all parts of the County when called by any one of 18 Law Enforcement, Fire, or Emergency Response organizations (state, county, or municipal) to a tragedy where there is need for care and support.
LECS
You may ask how, in a County of only 500,000 people does one find that many Chaplains who are willing to volunteer so much time and give so much heart to difficult tasks for which they don’t get paid? Using a model for Chaplaincy developed in Sacramento, California and with materials from the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), a non-profit religious corporation that is exempt from Federal and State taxes was formed. This organization is directed by a Board of Directors, which is made up of Law Enforcement Officers, religious leaders, and citizens from throughout the County. The participating agencies actively recruit Chaplain Candidates, who then go through a screening and background process before being allowed to participate in a fairly rigorous and very eye-opening six month Chaplains Academy. Upon commissioning, the Chaplains commit themselves to two (2) days a month availability on a callout schedule that has a primary on call Chaplain and a backup Chaplain at all times.
THE SONOMA MODEL
There are several aspects of our Chaplaincy that make it unique. The primary requisite for entry into the program is that the person has a verifiable reputation as a loving person who is sought after for wisdom and comfort by others and not formal ordination by a judicature. Although several of the Chaplains are ordained, many are not. This vital requisite insures the inclusion of women and laypersons that can demonstrate the qualities of being loving and wise persons.
Much like Peace Officers, Chaplaincy Candidates must submit to and pass a standardized qualifications review and a Law Enforcement background check. Our six-month Academy, which is taught by Law Enforcement and other subject matter experts, has performance measurement metrics that Candidates must pass. Upon successful Academy completion, our bylaws provide formal commissioning by LECS (an incorporated religious organization) as Law Enforcement Chaplains who are specifically tasked to hear penitential communications and therefore qualify for protection from subpoena under the California Evidence Code. Newly commissioned Chaplains then participate in a progressively immersive field training regimen and, like Peace Officers, remain subject to ongoing training and performance standards.
Our model is 'interfaith'. This means that, like the community we serve, people from different faiths and denominations are welcome to join us. Our 70+ Chaplains come from different faiths and christian denominations. As government-authorized service providers to the community, this stance also helps us to avoid potential discrimination concerns.
We discourage discussing one’s church and doctrine, both between Chaplains and with others, unless specifically asked. We encourage inclusion and acceptance in the Chaplaincy and focus on loving people, and serving them rather than teaching them. Our Chaplains' personal faith motivates them to serve, but it is simply the compassion and care that they show that is the sufficient reflection of their faith.
Finally, our model is express in the primacy of its purpose: service to our Law Enforcement Officers is always our main goal. Although this often comes by helping them care for victims and survivors at scenes of tragedy and loss, whatever way we can serve is always seen through the lens of how we can help our Peace Officers. We are interested in their welfare. We unconditionally support them, not only as esteemed officers of the peace, but also as human beings with their own cares, concerns, interests, and needs. We do not judge or criticize our Law Enforcement partners. Earning their genuine friendship and trust is key.
The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Service in Sonoma County has grown in acceptance and most Law Enforcement Executives recognize how the program is received among the Officers. Peace Officers are often stressed by having to do their work with people who have just been shattered by tragedy and then abruptly leave to get on to the next call for help. Many Peace Officers carry emotional scars from such moments. How nice it is in Sonoma County to be able to introduce a Chaplain (who will not do anything “religious” unless asked) to comfort victims and their families and to support our Peace Officers and Emergency Service providers. The Law Enforcement Chaplain Service represent the best of a community using its own outstanding resources to take care of itself -- an effort that will undoubtedly become even more important with time.
