A chaplain serves the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No matter what time, a chaplain is always available for comfort and support. The law enforcement chaplain is first and foremost a person of God, duly ordained and appointed as an approved and experienced denominational representative. The Sheriff officially approves the appointment of the law enforcement chaplain.

The responsibilities of a chaplain are myriad and dynamic when they chose to become involved in law enforcement:

1. WHEN AN OFFICER IS INJURED, ILL OR KILLED. The Chaplain visits injured or sick officers in the Hospital or at home. Often, the chaplain is included in notifying the family of the injured officer. In the worst possible situation - when an officer has been killed - the chaplain is involved in telling the family that their loved one has died.
2. OFFICERS WITH A PROBLEM. Many officers feel alone when they have a problem. A chaplain can help an officer deal with a problem before it ruins a marriage, embarrasses or stains the department, or handicaps or destroys an officer.
3. FAMILY OF DEPARTMENT MEMBERS. The Chaplain is available to all department personnel including their immediate family members.
4. CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES. The chaplain consoles, guides, and assists all personnel, including non-sworn employees.
5. DEATH NOTIFICATIONS. A chaplain accompanies an officer or makes the notification himself in the event of a fatality. The chaplain can stay with the bereaved family until the family is comfortable with his departure.
6. EDUCATION---TEACHING. The chaplain is available to conduct training for department personnel and their families in such areas as stress management, ethics, dealing with death, personality profiles, etc....
7. HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS AND BARRICADE SUBJECTS. The chaplain can serve as a part of the crisis response team. The chaplains role is as a support member who is available at the command center to carry out the following functions: secure information about the religious background of the hostage taker; answer religious questions; and supply emotional support to family members at the crisis scene. Generally, the chaplain will not serve as a negotiator but will serve to supply answers, research and support.
8. PRISONERS. The chaplain's primary duty is to those who serve in law enforcement and their families. Upon special request, the chaplain may see to it that a prisoner's spiritual needs are met.
9. VICTIM ASSISTANCE. The chaplain assists victims with dealing with the initial emotional trauma and then directs victims to community resources that can give more long-term assistance. At a crime scene or disaster scene, the chaplain can assist distraught family members.
10. RELIGIOUS QUESTIONS. The chaplain answers questions involving religions such as protocol in dealing with church officials, religious quotes found at crime scene, information on religious groups, sects or cults, etc. and guide officers in dealing with different groups.
11. LIAISON WITH OTHER CLERGY AND THE COMMUNITY. The chaplain assists with public relations with clergy and religious leaders in the community.
12. PRAYERS AT CEREMONIES. The chaplain is called upon to lead in prayer for such activities as graduations, meeting, banquets, etc.